The Last Supper

Written By

John Nagarkar

504/30, Ballaleshwar CHS

Sector 5, Charkop, Kandivali West

Mumbai 400067, India

Email: john.nagarkar@gmail.com | Cell: +91-70394 52898

‘I tell you solemnly, one of us shall betray God.’

‘Today, I’ll begin to unravel this dream, a dream which had always been sort of a big curse to me.

This is the first time that I am traveling to the land that my people had ruled over some centuries

ago. For me, Goa has been just a dream since I was born and today as the aircraft lands on its

soil, I will begin to unravel this disturbing dream which had been plaguing my sleep since I had

become old enough to think. Dreams which had given me many a sleepless nights. Dreams that

I couldn’t fathom. Dreams about people who had lived hundreds of years ago. Dreams about an

unknown mystery… of an unanswered question. And after this journey, I wish to sleep peacefully,

forever.’

These thoughts ran in Cathy’s mind as her eyes took the passing clouds through the small window

of the aircraft. Cathy, short for Catherine, was a young college going girl from Lisbon, Portugal.

She was a beautiful girl, of creamy complexion, slim and of medium height. But where here face

emitted exquisite and delicate features, her eyes kind of betrayed the pain and the fear that lurked

in her mind.

She turned to look at her companion, Sanjose, her fellow classmate and her boyfriend. Sanjose

was of the same age as Cathy. Tall, dark and with sharp features, he was the cynosure of girls’

attention. But to him, Cathy was everything. Little did he realize that 3 weeks ago when Cathy

had first popped the question to him to accompany her and the students of her University on their

annual college trip to Goa in India instead of some traditional place in Europe, his nonchalant yes

answer would be so readily accepted by her.

Cathy had always wanted to visit Goa but had dared not venture alone. Her parents wouldn’t have

allowed it. It was only at Sanjose’s behest, her parents had agreed to let her go to visit her

ancestral place. And in no time, their classmates too had readily agreed to make this trip. For the

students, this was a novel idea to visit the land that their forefathers had ruled over centuries ago.

The land they had learnt about in high school.

Goa, one of the smallest states of India, is located on the western coast of the country facing the

vast Arabian sea. Till 1961, Goa had been a Portuguese colony since 1510 when Afonso de

Albuquerque captured the island state and brought it under the Portuguese rule. Soon the land of

Goa turned into a great trade center under the Portuguese.

In the years to come, various Viceroys ruled Goa and the locals managed to live without much of

negative repercussions though there were some strict regimes to follow which the locals bravely

followed. But at times, the Portuguese did witness some revolts from certain sections of the locals

who demanded freedom. However, their actions were quickly and harshly curtailed by the

Portuguese authority.

But in 1925, with the rise of power of a dictator in Portuguese, lots of new and strict laws and bans

came into force. The locals soon started demanding collectively for a free Goa but their actions

and pleas went unheard until 1961 when the Indian Army liberalized it and brought it under its fold

after years of peaceful negotiations with the Portuguese authorities had failed. Thus ended the

Portuguese rule in Goa.

Cathy’s thoughts were broken as the captain’s voice boomed from the speakers, announcing that

the aircraft will be landing in about 30 minutes on the Indian soil at the Dabolim Airport. She kind

of felt elated but at the same time she felt some apprehension.

She peered outside to look at the vast Arabian Sea spread out below. It looked so majestic in the

shimmering sunlight. In the distance, she could see the land as it loomed nearer and nearer as

the aircraft made a slow descent. Her breathing became heavy. She was nearing her goal.

The aircraft made a smooth landing at the Dabolim airport and slowly taxied itself to a stop in front

of one of the terminals. The group of 20 students all bumbling with excitement, picked up their

handbags and rushed excitedly to the exit ahead of the other passengers.

Cathy remained seated, eyes closed trying to savor the uncanny feeling that she felt. She then

took a deep breath to ease her heavy heartbeats. Letting out a huge sigh, she opened her eyes

and slowly pulled herself up from her seat. She pulled open the overhead cabinet and dragged

her handbag out and with baited steps, walked to the exit.

She slowly peered outside and watched the airport with anticipation. This was the modern world.

This wasn’t what she had expected but then this was the airport in the heart of the city. And her

destiny lay on the outskirts of the city where there was hardly much of human dwellings. Once

again, taking a deep breath, she started down the staircase and then took that final step to touch

the ground. Finally, she was standing on the land of her ancestors.

She stood still, closed her eyes for a brief second and then bent down. As her fingers touched the

ground, she opened her eyes and brought her hand to her lips to kiss it. This was it… her

motherland. Her dreams were unraveling. And then she heard the soft laughter that’s been ringing

in her ears since she was a baby. She closed her eyes again for a second and the laughter slowly

diminished. She was getting closer to understanding the mysterious laughter… the mysterious

words that has been haunting her since she was a baby.

* * *

Back at the hotel, after a hot luxurious bath, Cathy was eager to start with her quest. So far, she

had never told anyone about her dreams. Dreams that popped up in her head time and again

which she had been unable to understand. And each dream had been different from the other –

some haunting while some beautiful. She had kept these dreams a secret from her parents and

even her boyfriend Sanjose wasn’t aware of it. Sanjose had no idea what was going on in her

mind, of the heavy weight that she carried in her heart, of the disturbing dreams that had plaguing

her for years.

That evening she surfed through a dozen or so Goa guides tracing out important historical sites,

important enough for her at least and decided that one particular Church ruins whose pictures

vaguely looked familiar, would be their first stop on the tour the next day.

That night Cathy had trouble sleeping. The images of a church kept haunting her in her dreams

as she tossed and turned around in the bed. It wasn’t however the ruins of the church that

disturbed her. Rather it was a different look of the church that disturbed her as if the church was

just built and in its pristine glory. She woke up with a start. Dawn was just breaking in.

The tour bus took them to the outskirt of the city and came to a stop at the base of a hill. The

small group alighted even as Cathy strained her neck to take a look at the top of the hill – their

first destination – St Ignatius Church, the images of which had haunted her the night before.

It was a long walk up the dusty track and it wasn’t as splendid as the group had thought it would

be since the path was jagged with huge boulders and dusty. But nevertheless, it still carried a

trace of wilderness around it. It also offered the group a lovely panoramic view of the countryside.

The long climb up the hill was tiring but everyone was too excited to notice the hard work.

They had climbed the hill half way when they reached a clear ground and beyond it, they could

make out the ruins of the church. As Cathy trailed behind her eyes were riveted on a bird as it

circled majestically in the sky and finally came to settle on the steeple of the church. She could

feel the hair on the back of her neck stand with excitement.

She slowly took in the sight as she swept her eyes from the steeple of the church, down to its

entrance and its huge building now lying half in ruins. Just as she had seen it in her dreams, she

thought to herself excitedly but in a better condition than it appeared now.

She felt a strange feeling as she walked towards it with a slow gait. The guide had started his

litany and his voice guided his excited visitors on the history of the church but Cathy wasn’t paying

too much attention to it. Ignoring the group, she walked towards the half burnt church entrance.

Across the church, a few meters away, the guide’s shrill voice rose a bit higher. Maybe to attract

her attention, she thought to herself. But her attention was riveted on this ancient monument which

still bore faint traces of its lost glory. Over the years, it seems to have been neglected and wild

creepers have covered most of the structure. She knew this was the church that held the answers

to her dreams.

The guide was getting distracted seeing that Cathy had no interest in his speech. But to keep him

happy, Cathy pointed a glance or two in his direction as he went on. She repeated his words

slowly in her mind word by word as he babbled again.

‘And what you see here friends was once upon a time one of the most magnificent churches of

medieval Goa. Build somewhere around early 16th century by Viceroy Fonseca, the then head of

the Portuguese rule in Goa, it was ministered by a young priest, Fr. Kane. This church took 3

years to be built but didn’t last for more than a year…

For a moment, a smile crossed her face as she heard the guide rant. Her friends were listening

in awe to the guide’s narration. The guide, a skinny character with a thin moustache, in his mid

30s was talking at a fast pace and hearing him speak, Cathy wondered aloud where he kept his

energy stuffed within that frail body. Even Sanjose was bowled over by his talks as he listened in

rapt attention, hardly noticing that Cathy was not with them.

The guide’s shrilled voice continued.

‘It was the doings of Fr. Kane who soon got mixed up in some scandal at that time. The villagers

in a fit of anger had tried to burn the church down along with Fr. Kane.’ The guide paused again

for a dramatic effect as he looked around at his eager audience and then continued. ‘It was

rumored that Fr. Kane escaped the burning inferno and over the years, the locals had waited in

anticipation and in fear for his return till the epidemic struck and the entire village got wiped out

though some of them managed to escape the devastation to safer locations.’

Sanjose broke in curiously. ‘What kind of scandal was Fr. Kane involved in?

The guide turned around to look at him directly. He then paced a step or two to give it a dramatic

effect before turning abruptly to face him.

‘Lots of stories floated around that time and over the years many new versions came up. But the

one that was rumored to be true was that Fr. Kane had an unholy relationship with a woman and

had fathered a child…’

‘Fathered a child? But wasn’t Fr. Kane a Catholic priest. Surely he must taken a vow of celibacy?’

Bono butted in.

The guide threw a mean look in his direction. Bono was a stout but rugged looking boy with a

voice to match.

‘Yes, he was a Catholic priest. But one of the local girls, a daughter of a trader, a girl with exotic

beauty and charm, had fallen in love with him and it was rumored that Fr. Kane too loved her.

Mind you, all this is just a story handed down generation after generation. How much of it is true,

no one knows and I guess never will.’

‘The girl must have been pretty hot for sure.’ Bono said with a naughty smile winking at Sanjose.

Even the guide had to force a smile hearing such a crass remark. But then he had learnt long

ago, that foreigners were capable of saying and doing anything.

‘She was beautiful beyond comparison.’ He replied turning to look at Cathy. ‘Just one look at her

and men would forget all their sorrows and sufferings.’ He turned to look at the small group and

continued. ‘Even the wild animals, it was rumored would let her bask in all glory when she played

or strolled in the jungle without harming her in any way.’

‘Then surely, Fr. Kane too would have been a handsome man?’

The guide seemed to mellow at this question. His tone become gentle and slow. His voice seemed

to quaver or it seemed to Sanjose as he listened in rapt attention.

‘It is said that he was one of the most striking figures of his time. Just his presence would make a

girl go weak in her knees. And when he spoke, it was like a gentle flow of the river waters, so

soothing. Even men would at times feel envious of him. But he was a kind-hearted man and a

gentle soul and the locals loved him for it till the scandal broke out.’

Cathy heard Sanjose’s voice break in again as he interrupted the guide. She realised with pain

that she already knew what was coming from him.

‘So what about this girl who was besotted by him?’

‘The story goes around that the girl was married to the handsome and brave Captain Antonio, son

of Viceroy Fonseca. When the locals came to know of her alleged affair with Fr. Kane, she was

charged with adultery and treason against the church and finally burnt at the stake. In fact I

wouldn’t blame Fr. Kane for falling for her charms. The story states that she had the power to

seduce with such ease.’

So what was this girl’s name?

The guide pondered for a few seconds and slowly spoke, his voice just a faint whisper as if it was

taboo to speak aloud that name. ‘Well, she was called by various names but her real name was…’

Intuitively Cathy found herself uttering aloud, ‘Rosalin…’

The small group turned around to look at Cathy but her back was turned towards them. Her eyes

trained on some Portuguese inscription on the cemented marble plaque at the entrance of the

church. She slowly raised her palm to wipe the dust away from its face and tried to read clearly

the writings.

The group surged towards her to get a better glimpse of the plaque she was reading, anticipating

a mystery. The guide seeing the crowd’s interest was waning in him, was clearly annoyed. Cathy

couldn’t miss the sneer in the voice even as she slowly read the inscription. ‘Miss, I don’t think

that name is inscribed on the wall?’

One of the other girls from the small group pushed herself closer and tried hard to read the

inscription. Though she could make out the characters, she couldn’t understand what it meant.

She turned to look at Cathy.

‘Hey Cathy, can you make out what’s inscribed. Is that name mentioned there?’

The guide seemed to flinch in anger. ‘Are you crazy miss? How can a taboo name like Rosalin be

inscribed on a church wall?’

Seeing no reaction from the young crowd, the guide was now fuming with hatred for Cathy. For

him, his fee and his tips depended how well he kept his customers engrossed and entertained

with his bullshit history talk. But this one girl was blowing it away for him.

He quickly walked over to a small crumbling raised concrete platform like construction that

measured about five square feet and about a foot high and located bang opposite the church.

‘Hello! Listen… listen folks… listen everybody.’ The guide clapped his hands for attention. ‘I think

this little place will interest you…’

The group turned around to look at him except for Cathy. She was still engrossed in reading the

inscription and trying to decipher what it mean. But still her body stiffened slightly. She could

sense what was coming up next. She had dreaded this moment but there was no way she could

let it go or give it a miss. She had wanted to be here. She had wanted to live this moment.

She remained still, her back towards them, her fists tightly clenched, eyes closed awaiting the

shocking moment.

Having attracted back the crowd’s attention, the guide quickly climbed over the small crumbling

platform. Turning around, he stood dramatically to attention, his hands clenched together,

obviously pleased by the interest he has managed to regain from the group as they walked

towards him curiously.

‘So what’s with this place man?’ Bono asked him inquisitively as he eyed the non-descript place.

Cathy knew she didn’t have to look at the place to know what Bono was talking about. The place

was the center of everyone’s attention now. And once again, she found herself answering Bono’s

question as much as she didn’t want to. She started slowly, her voice trembling in grief and just

about in a soft whisper.

‘That’s the place where Rosalin was burnt alive for adultery she never committed and in front of

a cheering crowd. The very crowd whom she had favored in various risky situations, that very

place where she had ordered a stop to the practice of Sati, a tradition of the locals in which the

widow burns herself to death on her dead husband’s pyre.’ Cathy paused and took a deep breath.

She then continued, yet not daring to turn around.

‘That very place where she uttered her last dying words…’

She stopped. She felt a deep premonition that something horrifying was about to happen.

Something that shouldn’t occur. She could feel it and she deeply regretted answering Bono’s

question. She could feel the crowd’s eyes pierce her back as they stared at her in awe and in

anticipation that she would continue. Her eyes were still glued unconsciously to the small

inscription on the plaque. She seemed to have instigated the guide with her words but she couldn’t

help it and he in turn couldn’t help himself from questioning her sarcastically and in a loud voice.

‘Oh really… so you were there that time…’ The guide said with a sneer. ‘You seem to have done

your homework pretty nice. Ok… ok… so what were her last dying words? Go ahead tell me. Let

everybody hear her last words… tell me! Come on tell!’ His voice was now filled with resent and

anger directed towards her.

Slowly Cathy turned around to face the guide, her heart beating wildly. There was a painful

expression on her face. She looked around at the faces of her fellow students. They were all

waiting patiently for the answer. Most of them had a queer look on their faces as if they were not

sure if it was really Cathy who had so much knowledge of this place. With a heavy heart, she

turned to look at the raised ground forgetting the guide who was staring back at her. Seconds

passed. She closed her eyes as she tried to reminisce the dream that was so clearly etched in

her mind. Softly she began as she recalled the words.

‘Her last words… Yeah her last words… No… No…’

She jerked her eyes open her and stared hard at the raised ground as a scene flashed before her

eyes. She felt as if she was transported back in time 400 years ago. It was as if she was there at

this particular place watching a live scene as she saw Rosalin, a young girl about 18 with a slender

body and dressed in an exquisite gown tied to a stake on the raised platform. Her loose beautiful

hair blowing with the gentle breeze was obstructing the view of her face. There was a slow fire

burning around her but she was obvious to it or to the crowd. Her mind completely focused on the

church opposite. There was a big crowd gathered around the platform and cheering wildly

shouting slogans, waving sickles and knives in the air.

Rosalin, her face still obstructed by her flowing hair, watched with fear as a small group of men

piled dry wood and hay all around the church wild with enthusiasm. They too were shouting

slogans against the Church Padre. Satisfied, one of the men then picked up a burning wood from

near Rosalin’s stake, even as her gown caught fire and rapidly spread across her body.

Rosalin tried to free herself violently but failed. She watched in fear and desperation as the man

walked lecherously to the Church and threw the burning piece of wood on the hay.

The guide and the group of students watched the fear emote on Cathy’s face as she stared with

wide eyes at the illusion that played in front of her. They had no idea what was going through her

mind as her eyes simply stared at the spot profound with fear witnessing a spectacle that

happened hundreds of years ago.

Sanjose broke out of the group and quickly walked towards her while the others continued to

watch her pensively and slightly afraid now, afraid for her sake. Sanjose quickly wrapped her in

an embrace but over his shoulder, her eyes were still trained on the platform. Words came

tumbling out of her mouth as her eyes kept viewing the spectacular vision, seen only by her.

… No… don’t do it… please… please… he is innocent… And Rosalin’s voice played in her ears

as Cathy repeated her words, her tone matching Rosalin’s pleading voice.

‘… Please don’t do it, please don’t… he is innocent… don’t hurt him. He is a man of God… He is

innocent… please dooooooooooooooon’t …’

For a second, the guide too felt the fear gripping his heart hearing the chilling voice of Cathy.

Sanjose turned his head to look at him on the square with deep anger. The guide knew what was

going on in his mind and he quickly raised his hands as he jumped down to indicate that he had

no hand in the mumbo jumbo that was going in Cathy’s life. Sanjose turned his face to Cathy and

pushed her to arms length and held her but over his shoulder, her eyes were still locked on the

stake on the square in deep fear and shock.

* *

When she regained her composure, Cathy found herself propped against a huge boulder, her

legs pulled up and her arms wrapped around it with her head resting on her knees. She had no

idea how long it had been since she saw the frightening illusion flash before her eyes. She looked

around hesitatingly. All eyes were trained on her peculiarly. Sanjose, sitting next to her became

aware that she was out of the trance. He took a deep breath and moved closer and gently put his

arms around her. She could feel the concern in his voice as he asked her, ‘You ok Cathy?’

Cathy shook her head in affirmative. The crowd heaved a sigh of relief. Even Sanjose couldn’t

help but smile.

‘Jesus, you gave us a fright. What’s happening to you darling? I think you need rest.’

‘I’ll be fine… obrigado.’ She said forcing a smile on her face.

‘I think this place is evil.’

‘No!’ She quickly blurted aloud.

The others looked at her perplexed. Sanjose started to say something and then stopped. He gave

her a queer look. Over his shoulder she saw the guide walk towards them. As he neared her, his

shrilly voice rang out.

‘If she is alright, let’s move on.’ He turned his back on them without waiting for a answer. ‘Ok guys

we are moving.’ He yelled out aloud. ‘We still have a few more places to visit before the night sets

in.’

Sanjose turned to Cathy. ‘Think you can manage?

She simply nodded. She didn’t want to spoil their fun. She called out to the guide. ‘Hey mister, do

we visit the inside of the church?’

The guide looked at her hard. ‘Not after what we witnessed outside. No way!’

Sanjose intervened quickly. ‘Ok ok no problem. So what’s next on the itinerary?’

The guide replied with disdain. ‘We visit the palace of Viceroy Fonseca. The place where evil took

it’s roots and calamity befell this village.’ He looked at Cathy with a sly smile and turned to face

the young crowd. ‘The place where Rosalin first met Fr. Kane and the very place where the family

had their last supper together.’ He started to walk away. ‘Come on, follow me. The palace is just

a short distant away.

Cathy stiffened again. She badly wanted to visit the church again and explore the interiors. She

knew the church held the key to the mysterious illusions she had been seeing and the dreams

that had been haunting her all over the years. She dreaded the idea to visit the palace so soon.

The trek uphill on the other side of the small mountain was much lighter. Unknown to the visitors,

the guide had his reasons to avoid visiting the inside of the church. It was rumored that the ghost

of Fr. Kane still stalked the interiors of the church. And this has resulted in the church being

completely neglected from the interiors though the church was of historical importance to the

people of goa.

The dusty patch ended in front of a huge crumbling palace surrounded by high walls that kept the

intruders at bay. A wide wrought iron gate now dark brown with rust and half open beckoned

them. The small group marched towards the gate. Cathy raised her hand to push the gate a little

to see if it would move but over the years, the gate had cemented its position and wouldn’t budge.

But as her hand touched the wrought iron gate, a shiver seemed to pass through her body. She

quickly pulled back her hand and wrapped her arms around her waist to ease herself.

The palace had faced the wrath of some rough weathers over the years. The small group

observed its aged facade as they walked through a half broken entrance of the old fortified palace

and in the empty and barren courtyard. In the courtyard, on either sides of the path that led to the

entrance of the palace, there were two big gardens facing the palace. In the middle of both the

gardens, there were old fountains made of the finest marbles of those times but now in complete

ruins. The gardens were untended and covered by wild grass and shrubs.

The group looked across at the majestic palace as they slowly walked up the path and entered

the main building. They looked around in awe taking in the magnificent construction work, the

beautiful arches, the carved pillars and the huge hall with rich carvings that was done ages ago.

‘Man, this is a magnificent palace for sure. It still hasn’t lost its old glory. I wouldn’t mind spending

the rest of my life here.’

‘Yeah with some ghosts of the past for company.’ Bono remarked.

The small crowd burst into laughter as the last boy walked in the hall followed by Sanjose and

Cathy, his arms around her shoulder. As she took a step inside the hall, Cathy gave a quick

shudder, her breathing got heavier. She abruptly closed her eyes as sounds of a female laughter

echoed in her ears yet unheard by others. Sanjose pulled her closer impulsively. The sound

seemed to diminish and she slowly opened her eyes to find the group staring at her oddly.

Embarrassed, she kept her head down.

‘Cathy, are you ok?’ Sanjose asked her gently.

She gravely looked up at him. ‘I…I think I want to go back.’ She told him haltingly.

Someone from the crowd broke in.

‘Hey come on Cathy, you are spoiling all the fun. What’s wrong with you baby?’

‘What’s wrong with me? How do I answer to that question when I don’t know myself what’s wrong

with me? Why am I living through this horrifying dream? Cathy thought to herself. She slowly

turned around to look at him.

‘You stay. I’ll go back to the hotel alone.’

‘Cathy! You crazy? You seem to be behaving awkwardly ever since we landed here in Goa. Our

mistake that we listened to you and followed you all the way to this godforsaken place. Only if we

were to know that you’ll be a spoilsport!’ Bono exclaimed wildly, waving his hands in the air in

resentment.

‘He’s right Cathy. You have brought all of us over here and now you are the one to spoil the show.’

Sanjose joined in.

Cathy looked at him pleadingly. She felt bitter for being a spoilsport. She looked around at the

others.

‘I am sorry. I just don’t feel too well. I think I want to go back.’

The guide was adamant now.

‘Miss, the hotel is quite far and it’s not easy to get transport here to go back to the city. And we

can’t let you take the bus.’

‘Hey Cathy baby, the dude’s right. We’ll all be stranded in this spooky place and the sunset’s just

a couple of hours away.’ Bono quipped in as he read the city guide from his pocket.

‘Hey cut it Bono…’ Sanjose yelled at him. He turned to Cathy with a sympathetic look. ‘Cathy,

what’s wrong? Tell me. You have been behaving weirdly ever since we arrived here.’

Cathy looked at him tearfully, unsure what to tell him.

Bono slowly looked around the hallway with a pensive look. Others too follow suit in apprehension

as they saw the make believe look of concern on his face.

‘You bet Sanjose, this place is giving me the creeps too. It looks like Rosalin’s spirit has got hold

of Cathy. Woohh Cathyyyy… Woooaaaahhhhh.’

‘Will you fuckin’ shut up Bono? Cathy lets…’

Words got stuck in his mouth as Sanjose looked back at Cathy. Her face had turned white in fear.

The sound of laughter seemed to ring in her ears again. She quickly covered her ears with her

hands to ward off the sound, her eyes tightly shut. Sanjose pulled her close and held her in a tight

embrace in reassurance. The sound of laughter seem to diminish and she slowly opened her

eyes. And then she heard another laughter, a soft, mellow laughter of a man. She quickly pushed

Sanjose away and looked around in fright.

A white light flashed in front of her eyes and once again, she found herself witnessing an illusion

of the long gone era. She saw herself in a strange place and among a strange crowd. It took time

for her to realize where she was. She was back in time when the palace was at its majestic best

at the time of Viceroy Fonseca. She could see the other side of the hall in the palace richly

decorated for a festive occasion.

Towards one end, around a big dining table, she saw 12 men and women seated as they enjoyed

the supper. She had no trouble recognizing them from her dreams. As they ate, they were

watching Rosalin, the girl she had witnessed earlier being burnt at the stake. She was playing a

musical instrument something that looked like a harp, on a raised dais just a few steps away.

Rosalin looked beautiful. What surprised Cathy was that she was looking at herself. Rosalin was

an exact copy of her. Rosalin must have been about 17 just the right age as Cathy, elegantly

dressed in a white flowing silk wedding gown that clung to her well shaped body. Her hair was

neatly tied in a bun and she wore the minimum of jewelry that did justice to her natural tanned

beauty. Servants walked in and out of the room carrying food and other items serving the guests.

Soft music was floating in the air.

One of the men at the table appeared to be in a cassock, the dress priests wore. Cathy tried hard

but couldn’t see his face. His face was hidden behind the others who were seated ahead of him

and obstructing the view. Next to him was Antonio, a man in his late 20s, a handsome and

debonair looking man, dressed in official uniform of the court. Antonio’s eyes were trained lovingly

on Rosalin as he watched her play. His body thrust prohibited Cathy from having a look at the

priest’s face as Antonio kept blocking the view unconsciously as he conversed with others, eyes

glued on Rosalin. Pascal, Rosalin’s father was seated next to an empty chair. He was a short fat

man with a huge belly and a huge handle bar moustache.

At the end of the encore, the small crowd applauded eagerly. Rosalin stood up elegantly and

giving a soft bow, walked down with slowly determined steps to the table gracefully, her hips

swaying like gentle breeze.

Cathy could see Marcos, a man in his 30s, with broad shoulders and a face that portrayed

hardness about him, say something to Antonio who smiled back at him and got up as Rosalin

neared. He pulled out her chair. She in turn smiled and nodded her head slightly at him and sat

down. Antonio followed suit. He then lovingly turned to her. ‘Vos sois belos, my rapariga… (‘You

were beautiful, my girl…’) …that was beautiful music I should say.’

Rosalin smiled at him appreciatively. ‘Thank you dear.’

Cathy then heard another voice. She felt a lump in her throat as she realized that the voice

belonged to the priest as people at the table turned to look at the man in the cassock seated

among them. But try as hard as she could, Cathy still had found to it difficult to see his face as

she heard him say, ‘Your excellency, if I may be permitted to say, Senora Rosalin here is truly

gifted and beyond comparison and you, your excellency is a man beyond words and rightfully

deserving this lovely and talented young woman.’

‘Why, thank you Padre.’ Antonio replied with a smile, his chest swelling with pride. ‘But I’d say

you deserve a better praise than I, Fr. Kane. For you have devoted your entire life for service to

God and to our fellow human beings from such a tender young age.’

The priest, Fr. Kane seemed to shake his head sideways. ‘Your excellency, my life is God’s gift

to me. He has given me this life and he has the command over it, to do as he pleases.’

‘You are being humble Padre.’ Marcos interrupted with a faint trace of snicker in his voice.

Cathy knew that the ensuing seconds would be the turning point in Rosalin’s life as Rosalin

deliberately cleared her throat as she looked at Fr. Kane directly, her eyes not leaving his face,

still behind the veil of others and hidden from Cathy.

‘Your excellency.’ She said with a mellow voice. ‘Marcos is right. Fr Kane too is an enigmatic

figure. He is as charming and as beautiful as the morning sunrise. And as pure as the dew drops

on the dark and cold winter night. If only he would have chosen another profession, he would

have made some poor rapariga…’ Rosalin trailed off just as her father clamped his hand on hers

harshly.

‘Shut up Rosa!’ Pascal intervened with masked anger. He quickly turned towards Viceroy

Fonseca and Antonio and hastily bowed in forgiveness.

‘I am sorry your excellency…’ He then turned back to Rosa and in a hushed anger tone yelled at

her, ‘Rosa, think twice before you say anything stupid. Fr Kane here is a man of God!’

With her eyes still lingering on Fr. Kane’s face, her soft voice filtered across gingerly. ‘Yes Pai,

that’s what I meant… that he is a man…’

Fr. Kane broke into a soft chuckle. ‘It’s okay, Pascal Costa. I am sure she didn’t mean what she

said.’ Even Antonio seemed relieved though Cathy felt he must have not heard the last line that

Rosalin said. He smiled and raised his hand to calm Pascal down. ‘Hey peace be upon you

homem. A rapariga bonita e joking… (The beautiful girl is joking). Turning around to look at

Rosalin, he gently asked her, totally smitten by her, ‘Aren’t you my dear?’

Before she could answer in, Marcos broke. ‘You bet Antonio, Lady Rosalin has a way with words.

Surely a woman of many hidden talents.’ Rosalin looked at him with a sly smile.

At his words, Antonio broke into a loud laughter. ‘You bet Marcos. That’s what I had told her during

our initial meetings. That she is an enigma yet to be solved.’ Antonio continued with his laughter.

Rosalin looked at him and soon joined him with a soft chuckle and soon everyone followed the

couple and as heads fell behind in laughter, Cathy’s eyes fell on Fr. Kane and she saw his face

clearly for the first time. A face that had always been a blur in her dreams. A face she had so

desperately wanted to see and hear. Fr. Kane was a handsome and debonair looking man with

striking features and with a certain softness around him. His eyes were bluish and oozed of

serenity. She saw him staring back at Rosalin devoid of any expression on his face. And then she

heard the soft whisper of his voice that echoed in her ears like a thunderstorm.

‘I tell you solemnly, one of us shall betray God’

Words that that echoed in her ears all these years. Her face bored a tormented look as the voice

filtered across to her ears distinctively. She realized that Rosalin must have heard him for she

abruptly cut short her laughter and stared at Fr. Kane gravely with just a wee bit of a smile lingering

on her face while the others continue with their laughter. But suddenly they too stopped as the

deep meaning behind his words sank in. Some of them were unsure if they had heard it right.

They stared at Fr. Kane and than at each other in apprehension and bewilderment, trying to

decipher if they had heard it right and the significance of it. Cathy closely monitored Fr. Kane’s

face as he stared solemnly back at nothing in particular, but looking directly in Cathy’s direction

or so she thought.

And suddenly the illusion flashed out of her sight as abruptly as it had come. There was a shocked

expression on her face as she kept staring at the other part of the hall where she had just seen

the vision where she had seen Fr. Kane stare back at her. Her breathing had become heavier as

Fr. Kane’s last words rang in her ears again and again. Her body seemed to tremble again as she

shuddered in fear at what she had seen and heard.

‘Cathy… Cathy… you okay?… Cathy!

Cathy slowly toppled on the ground unconscious.

* * *

She got up with a jerk, her body covered in sweat. She looked around pensively and found herself

in her hotel room. She had no idea how she landed herself back in her room. The last she

remembered was the palace episode up to where she had entered the hall. She looked across

the bed. Sanjose was sleeping at the edge of her bed.

She stared at him for a moment feeling sorry for the pain she was making him endure for her

sake. She closed her eyes for a brief second and then opened it again with sheer determination.

She then looked around the room.

Taking a deep breath, she got up, careful so as not to disturb Sanjose. She gave him a slight peck

on his cheek, pulled a flashlight out of her bag and walked out with determined steps.

The moonlight cast an eerie glow on the old ruined church as she entered it, shining a flashlight

in the dark interiors. Somehow tonight, she felt no fear as she took a firm step inside. The flashlight

didn’t offer her much light but she wasn’t paying attention to it as she hurriedly looked around.

She was unsure of what she was looking for in the dimming light. Her eyes then trailed the path

of the light down the aisle. She stared with glazed eyes down at the ruined alter now lit dully in

the dimming yellow glow of the flashlight.

And then the scene changed in front of her again as she saw another illusion of the past. She saw

a crowd of smiling people as they stood in the pew as Antonio and Rosalin in bridal costume,

walked down the aisle towards the alter where Fr. Kane waited patiently. As they walked towards

him, he stared at them somberly. Rosalin watched him with a sly smile with every step she took

towards him.

A rat scampered across the floor, over her feet and jolted her out of the illusion. She reverted her

eyes away from the altar, searching again. She closed her eyes for a split second, trying to

remember something.

As she recalled, she quickly opened her eyes and looked around. She rushed to one side of the

church and frantically started to look behind a thick foliage. The flashlight was fading fast but her

anxiety had increased as she struggled to pull aside the creepers.

There hidden behind the thick foliage, she could make out what she was looking for. It was a

confession booth. With difficulty and after much struggle, she managed to pull the thick creepers

aside to find a half-burnt wooden door of the confession booth. The door easily creaked open at

her push and what she saw inside made her shriek aloud again and again just as the battery in

the flashlight conked out completely plunging everything into darkness.

* * *

Circa: 400 years ago.

A soft flicker of light cut through the darkness as it moved and stopped at a point. It soon turned

into a bright glow that illuminated the hand of a sailor as he went about lighting up a lantern on

what looks like a bridge of a ship. He then walks across to another unlit lantern.

At the bow of the ship, Antonio stood patiently peering in the darkness. After 15 years, he was

returning back to Goa. As he stood there staring in the dark, he could hear the sound of the ship

cutting through the dark waters. All of a sudden, a faint sound of a girl humming filled the air.

Unsure if he heard it right, Antonio peered closely in the dark. He strained hard to hear it better

as his eyes searched through the darkness for the source of the sound. He was puzzled now.

They were in the middle of the sea and he was sure there were no other ships except for theirs

or else he would have seen some kind of a sign of its presence. And as far as he knew there were

no women traveling on his fleet. His Aide, Kishen seeing him act so peculiarly, walked up to him

as the sound diminished for a brief second.

‘Master, is something wrong?’

‘Did you hear that sound?’ Antonio asks him pointing out in the dark.

‘What sound Master?’ Kishen asked peering oddly in the dark.

‘A humming sound. Some girl’s voice it was. So beautiful…’

‘No master…’ Kishen replied. ‘I heard no sound’, scratching his head in puzzlement.

Antonio smiled to himself appearing foolish. ‘Funny I think I did hear it. Maybe it was my

imagination.’ Taking a pause, he added, ‘Ok, you may go.’

Kishen bowed low and slowly retreated. Antonio continued to stare in the darkness. The sound

filtered again in his ears. Antonio strained hard again to see in the darkness, mystified.

On the other side of the sea, it was pitch black. The sound of humming along with the sound of

waves filled the air again. Slowly the dark clouds moved to let the full moon cast its glow on the

land and what seemed to be a beach. Rosalin in a white, transparent gown, her hair loose and

flowing with the wind, was dancing animatedly on the beach to her own humming. Her body

moved elegantly in the swaying breeze, her feet gingerly gliding across the sands. Few minutes

later, she stopped, knelt down on the sands and arching her back, tilted her head back. Her eyes

were closed and loose hair moved with the wind, and with her arms outstretched, she savored

the cool breeze that gently swayed her gown. Her faced oozed serenity with a subtle smile

lingering on her face. A small boy’s voice broke through the trance as he called out to her from

across the beach. She turned around to look at him as he ran across the beach towards her, her

smile still lingering delicately on her face.

The boy came to a stop in front of her and tried to catch his breath. ‘Your Mai is calling you.’

She got up and kissing the boy gingerly on his cheeks, took his hand. They started walking back

home across the beach through the moonlight lit night, her gown fluttering daintily with the breeze.

Her house situated in the village was one of the biggest in the area and stood in the center of a

vast courtyard. Palm trees dotted the boundary of the house shielding it from the direct sunlight.

The lawn was well maintained with lovely flowerbeds lining the path from the gate to the house.

Just behind the house, a small river ran that acted as a shield in place of the wall that cut at the

river straight. Six steps lead to the main door of the house. Inside stood a big hall. On the other

side of the hall, there was a long corridor that led to individual rooms. The roof of the entire house

was covered with tiles that kept the house cool at all times of the year. The hall was richly

decorated. The windows were ornately designed and were covered with curtains made from the

finest silk from Macao. Lovely artifacts adorned the walls. At one corner of the hall, there was a

huge dining table with exotic carved chairs. Pascal Costa and his twin nieces Maria and Theresa

were seated, eating dinner.

Rosalin entered the house with gaiety and walked over to them. ‘Rosa’, the twins called out to her

in unison. She went over and hugged them one by one. Maria and Theresa were just about 10.

Their parents had died a couple of years ago, killed by some bandits as they traveled from their

neighboring town to Rosalin’s house. She and her family were all they had to call their own. She

loved them dearly as she gave them each a kiss on the cheek.

Her mother’s voice bellowed from inside. ‘I told you a hundred times not to venture out alone after

dark.’

Her mother was fuming mad as she walked out of the kitchen carrying a pitcher filled with water.

She angrily placed it on the dining table with a thud. Her mother was a short, fat woman with a

sharp shrilly voice.

‘But Mai, what have we to fear?’ Rosalin called out with make-believe despair on her face.

‘Don’t say another word.’ Her mother stopped her with a sharp glare. ‘At this age, you should be

at home helping me with the household work. But all you do is just waste your time outside. I tell

you. If this continues, no boy will marry you.’

‘Good for me. As it is, all the boys in this village are good for nothing. They are not fit to marry

me.’

‘Stop it Rosa! Don’t talk to me that way.’ Her mother severely reprimanded.

‘Calm down woman.’ Her father intervened. ‘Let the girl eat in peace.’

Her father, Pascal Costa was a trader of spices and exotic garments of silk among other things.

Over the years, he had amassed huge wealth that made him one of the most respected men in

Goa. It also brought him in close proximity with the Portuguese and especially Viceroy Fonseca.

His parents had been the natives of Goa and belonged to the Hindu religion. But sanity prevailed

and they soon converted to Christianity when they realised the advantage of being a Christian.

Though he himself wasn’t a devout Christian, Pascal prided himself on the fact that he often

contributed to charity, which actually didn’t amount to much. The villagers, specially the idol

worshippers tried to maintain a good relationship with him knowing quite well that he was held in

high esteem by the Portuguese officials. And he in turn saw to it that the Portuguese officials were

lenient with the pagan worshippers whenever possible.

Rosalin looked at her father with a mischievous smile. Her father always favored her. She looked

across the table at her twin cousins. They were giggling secretly at her mother’s banter. She

mocked a stern look and the cousins broke into laughter.

‘You two stop it now and eat quietly.’ Her mother gave the cousins a look of discontent.

Pascal Costa turned to Rosalin. ‘You know Rosa. Tomorrow the Viceroy’s son is arriving from

Lisbon to take charge over here. If I am lucky I might meet him at the quay otherwise it will have

to wait till I return from Bombaim.’

‘Yes Pai.’ She paused. ‘Pai, I didn’t knew the Viceroy had a son.’

‘Oh he does. It’s been many years since he moved to Lisbon and from what the Viceroy told me,

since the last few years, he had been undergoing marine training and now I believe he has been

appointed Captain by his royal highness, King Juan II.’

‘That sounds interesting Pai.’

‘Rosa, you stay clear of him. I don’t want you or any of our family members falling in trouble with

the royal family because of your mischievous ways.’

‘Oh Mai. You are so naïve.’

‘Don’t you dare call me names?’ Her mother yelled at her.

‘Hey calm down both of you.’

Her father raised his hand to silence them as he scoffed at her mother. Her mother dropped into

silence. Rosalin looked at her cousins. They were eating silently, their eyes riveted on the food.

She looked at her parents. They were such an odd couple. And to say that she was their daughter

so beautiful and yet totally in contrast with their physical personalities. She spent the rest of the

time eating her food in silence.

* * *

The next morning, Antonio’s fleet touched based at the quay situated on the north side of Goa on

the banks of Mandovi river. Mondovi river was the only sea route to enter Goa. Hundreds of

people had arrived to herald in the new captain of the royal Portuguese navy.

The crowd cheered as Captain Antonio in his naval suit got off the ship followed by his men. Roars

of ‘Hail Antonio’ filled the air as the soldiers walked down the gangway. Antonio walked the first

and raising his hand, saluted the crowd. The crowd went berserk and raised slogans and waved

flags in the air.

Antonio looked around the place dotted with palm trees bordering the river. Across he could see

a huge lush green forest. At the other end of the quay, traders who had been busy a short while

earlier loading and unloading their merchandise all paused in their track at the sight of royalty.

They raised a slogan loudly as Antonio’s eyes fell on them. It was years ago that he had left this

place and now he felt as if the placed beckoned him with open arms. It felt nice to be back.

Pascal Costa appeared from behind the stacked crates to watch Antonio. He decided to visit him

but as he took a step, one of the ships sounded its horn. He turned back to find his friend, Captain

Juan waving out to him. He hesitated for a second and turned back and headed towards the ship.

The ship was about to sail. He boarded the planks and walked to the deck and peered over. He

saw an escort from the palace walk over and salute Antonio and then shook hands with him.

Words were exchanged and then Antonio and his troops were then led to the waiting horses and

chariots. Antonio took the strong stallion in the lead, the others followed suit as the climbed aboard

the other horses and chariots.

The cavalcade then traveled down the dusty road led by Antonio in the lead, the escort just behind

him and directing him loudly over the din. Crowd thronged the roadside to get a glimpse of Antonio

and as he passed them, they hailed him. Girls blushed as his eyes fell on them. He smiled and

waved out to them causing them to giggle and laugh.

As he traveled, he let his eyes take in the sight of Goa. There was not much of a difference

between Goa and Lisbon. He felt like he was still in Lisbon as he watched the small towns pass

by followed by markets and the villages.

Rosalin was with Kayani amongst the crowd at the roadside near her village. But for Rosalin,

wanting a glimpse of Antonio was too boring a task as she impatiently fidget with herself as they

stood by the side of the road. She knew she’d get a chance to meet the man in person itself since

her father knew the Viceroy.

Kayani suddenly pulled at her hand. ‘Hey, I think they are coming.’

‘Come on Kayani, I am not interested in seeing the Viceroy’s son. For all I know, deve ser um

homem aborrecido feiohe (He must be an ugly boring man.) She replied wearisomely with a flick

of her hand as if Antonio didn’t interest her at all.

‘Shoo. I heard he is young and very debonair and the best part is, he is still a bachelor.’

Rosalin’s expression changed and she turned around to look slyly at Kayani. ‘Bachelor? That

sounds interesting. But my dear Kayani, your marriage is already fixed, so why are you so keen

on seeing him?’ She asked her with a teasing smile.

‘Stop it Rosa. I am not interested in marrying him. I just want to see how he looks.’ She looked

hard at Rosalin and then continued. ‘Why do I have this feeling that you already know things about

him?’

‘Oh I do know a thing or two about him.’ Rosalin replied shrugging her shoulder nonchalantly.

Kayani smiled and raised her eyebrows at her. ‘‘Rosa, I don’t like that glint in your eyes?’

Rosalin laughed. ‘Trust me. It’s not what you think. Now you stay here and drool over him while I

run home.’

Rosalin turned around and waded through the strong crowd. Kayani called out to her but Rosalin

just yelled back. ‘I’ll see you in the village.’

Kayani smiled to herself. She then turned her attention back on the road as the cavalcade came

down the bend with Antonio in the lead. She looked at him in awe, an imposing figure. She was

totally taken by the sight of Antonio as he raced past on his stallion.

The cavalcade traveled down the dusty path and past a village and then the road suddenly started

to climb. They were going up a small hill. Finally, they reached the St. Ignatius church and raced

past it. Antonio quickly did a sign of the Cross as he passed the church. An elderly priest was

busy polishing some stained glasses of the Church window. He looked up to the sound of horse

beats and saw the cavalcade go past. He left aside his tasks and silently watched them go.

The cavalcade traveled the other side of the hill and up. He could make out that the dusty road

let to the fortified palace in the distance, an imposing structure. The road was decorated and

soldiers were lined along the path right up to the palace gate. As they neared the gate, musicians

started to play as if on cue. The cavalcade went through the gate and came to a thundering stop

at the palace entrance. Antonio smartly jumped off his stallion and rushed in through the huge

door. The soldiers at the entrance saluted him but he ignored then and just ran past them.

He entered the hall to find a small elegant crowd waiting patiently for him. As walked in smartly

with long strides, everyone stood to attention and saluted him. Across the hall, Viceroy Fonseca

was seated on his grand and inquisitively decorated chair. Viceroy Fonseca was a huge man with

a great walrus moustache. He was in his visceral coat and knee-high leather boots that had

sparkling golden spurs at the tip of its base. Around his waist, hung a long steel rapier in its

scabbard.

Viceroy Fonseca got up from his chair and slowly walked a pace or two towards Antonio. Antonio

strode over and standing in front of him, smartly saluted him, a wide grin on his face. They

embraced each other. Viceroy then held his son at arm’s length and looked at him with deep

pride. ‘My son, this is the proudest moment in my life.’

Antonio bowed his head low and bending his knee a bit, softly whispered. ‘Yes Pai.’

Viceroy lifted him gently and turning him around, put his arm around his shoulder and patted him.

‘Now that you are here, I, and all of Goa is surely in safe hands now.’

The Viceroy then looked at the gathered crowd in the hall. ‘Friends, this is my son Antonio. He

has been appointed the Captain of the Royal Fleet of the Indies by His Highness King Juan II.

Please welcome him.’

The crowd broke into a round applause. Musicians started to play again while soldiers out in the

courtyard, fired their guns in the air to herald in Captain Antonio.

* * *

The city of Goa and specially all the beautiful girls were gearing themselves for the big event –

the party at the palace in honor of Captain Antonio. The fact that Captain Antonio was young,

handsome and debonair didn’t matter much as much as the fact that he was still an eligible

bachelor. And tonight all the girls were determined to make his acquaintance and get in close

proximity.

At Rosalin’s house in the village, Rosalin too was getting dressed for the party. Since her father

knew the Viceroy, it wasn’t difficult to get invited to the party and to be in the inner circle of the

powerful and the rich. ‘Damn the women’, she cursed aloud as she adjusts her dress for the

occasion. She knew she had to try something special to capture Antonio’s attention. She stared

at herself in the mirror and then adjusted her wide brim hat while her twin sisters, smoothen her

exotic silk gown that hugged her breasts and waist delicately and fell in a balloon around her legs.

Satisfied, they took a step backward to look at her in awe. Rosalin turned around and looked at

them with a smile. ‘So, what do you think?’

‘You look like a princess, you are so beautiful.’ Maria replied in admiration.

Theresa too looked at her dumbstruck by her beauty. ‘Yes, you look like an angel, beautiful angel,

Rosa’

‘Hmmm…whatever.’ Rosalin looked at her two cousins appreciatively. ‘Well let's see how

effective this look is on Captain Antonio. Come on sweethearts, its time to go and charm the man

himself.’ Saying this, she turned the two around and playfully spanked them on their behinds to

usher them out of the room. No sooner did she reach the door that her mother walked in mumbling

something under her breath. She looked at Rosalin from head to toe disgustedly.

‘I tell you this party is no good for you. Men will just stare at you lecherously.’ She shrieked at her.

‘Mama, please.’ Rosalin pleaded with her.

‘Don’t mama me. You’d never listen to me. Oh god, what’s wrong with this girl. Why don’t you

understand girl, men just want to take you to bed.’ Her mother bawled. ‘Tia Alberto’s son Pedro

is arriving soon from Bombaim with your Pai. I want you to marry him. He is a nice boy.’

‘But mama, I don’t want to marry a good for nothing.’ Rosalin pleaded. ‘ I want to marry someone

rich and powerful, some handsome and debonair. Someone like…’ She trailed off dreamingly.

‘Captain Antonio!’ the twins exclaimed gleefully completing her sentence.

‘Yes darling, someone like Captain Antonio.’ She said winking at them mischievously. ‘Wow, it

will be so much fun to be his wife, one of the most powerful woman in Goa.’

‘Stop dreaming girl. Wait till your Pai and Pedro comes back, I will get you two married, you just

wait and see.’ Her mother exclaimed, shaking her head disgustedly.

‘Mama, pleaseeeeeeese.’ Saying this, Rosalin walked out of the room followed by her cousins

who were trying desperately to stifle their laughter. As soon as they walked out of the door, Rosalin

mimicked her mother’s voice, ‘Stop dreaming girl!’ and the trio broke into laughter.

* * *

In the richly decorated hall of the palace, there was a party atmosphere. Servants walked in an

out of the room carrying drinks and eatables on trays. In the corner, a small group of musicians

played soft music. A group of boys were gathered around Rosalin as she narrated a poem and

as soon as she finished, they clapped aloud in appreciation. Rosalin gave a small bow at their

ovation.

One of the elegant men asked her.

‘Senora, where did you learn so beautiful a poetry?’

Rosalin looked at him with a sly smile.

‘Poetry is not something you learn Senor. It comes from the heart.’ She closed her eyes and tilted

her head slightly upward. ‘You have to push your mind in the deep well of your feelings to come

up with beautiful words. Words that describe your personal world to others.’ She opened her eyes.

’Music is what I learnt from my grandfather who used to play the organ.’ She added.

‘I am impressed Senora.’ The man remarked.

Rosalin turned to look at him

‘You ought to be Senor. You ought to be.’

Another man questioned her.

‘Hey Senora, do we get to hear your music as well?’

‘You seem to be too eager to know me in one day. I hope you are not interested in marrying me.

Mind you, you are not my type.’ She quipped, shooing him away with a push of her open palm in

the air.

‘Hey how about me? Do I think I am your type?’

Rosalin turned around to look at the man who said it. He was handsome and was kneeling on

one knee, with his arms spread out and looking up at her. Rosalin scanned him closely and then

lazily walked over to him. She bend over a bit and placing her fingers below his chin, slowly sang

in a sexy husky voice.

‘Though I strive hard in vain

Drop a thousand tears to ease the pain

I know I can’t find another you

And however hard I try to refrain

Your thoughts still lurk in my mind

Still I feel the pain

Still feel the power of endurance

Still feel great

To know you are the love of my life

To know you are my power, my passion, my aim!’

In the aisle overlooking the hall, Antonio walked over and slowly peered down as he adjusted his

medallions. His eyes were riveted on Rosalin below in the hall as she narrated the poetry in a

singsong voice that reached his ears clearly. Her voice sounded familiar to him and for a second

he closed his eyes to recall where he had heard it. But he couldn’t fathom where.

Down in the hall, Rosalin continued to enjoy the attention from the men around. The other women

present in the hall were envious of her. They looked at her with contempt. Rosalin seemed to

enjoy the moment. As she finished the poem, she took a soft bow and gently let her fingers trail

on the kneeling man’s lips before snubbing him with a gentle push.

‘Ole Ole. That was beautiful.’ The crowd chanted.

‘Obrigado… Obrigado.’ She bowed low around.

Suddenly she saw the men fall into attention as a lone clapping sound filtered across to her ears.

She slowly turned around smiling to find Antonio walking towards her, clapping. She looked at

him, highly impressed by the power that he generated in the room.

‘I am impressed Senora.’ Antonio said walking up.

‘Obrigado Senor.’ She said handing out her hand to him.

Antonio took her hand and bowing low, gently kissed it, his eyes never leaving her face.

‘You know something Senora, your voice sounds so familiar. I have this feeling I have heard it

before.’

With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she let go off her hand and turned her back on him.

‘You must be mistaken Senor.’

Antonio walked behind her and with his face close to her ears whispered. ‘No. I am sure about it.

Your voice has been haunting me since the last few days.’

Rosalin turned around and looked at him amusedly. ‘Haunting you? I am terribly sorry if that’s

happened, Senor.’

‘Trust me Rapariga, trust me.’ Antonio said with a smile, shaking her head.

‘Senor, I am sure, my voice isn’t that frightening.’ And on second thought, she added, ‘And

definitely, I wouldn’t dare do such a thing to such a handsome and… ‘ She eyed his medallions

daintily, ‘…decorative man like you.’

Antonio laughed aloud. ‘Don’t worry. I am not going to get you punished for this. Shall we dance?

He added giving her his hand.

She looked at him and then slowly took his hand with a sly smile. His fingers felt so warm and

tender. She couldn’t imagine him fighting a war. They turned around and the crowd part for the

two. They walked to the center of the hall. Antonio made a sign at the musicians across the hall.

They started to play the music. Antonio slowly led Rosalin across the floor. He circled his right

arm around her waist and brought her body close, he took her right hand in his left hand and

slowly started moving rhythmically to the beat of the music, their eyes locked with each other.

He is so handsome she thought to herself as she took in his features. The eyes were pale blue

and had a sparkle in them. His lips appeared so soft and sensual while his nose was evenly

placed. And the thin moustache gave him an air of superiority. His broad shoulders felt so hard

as she felt it with the palm of her left hand that held on to it. She felt passion burn inside her. She

wanted to see him naked, feel him naked.

‘I never got to know your name Senora. Are you this secretive always?’

‘Pardon me?’ Her thoughts were broken.

‘I said, I never got to know your name Senora. Are you this secretive always?’ He asked her again.

‘Hmmm… No. Only with strangers.’ She replied with a mischievous smile.

‘Well we aren't strangers anymore Rapariga. This party is in my honor? I am the captain of the

Royal Navy of his highness, King Juan II of Portugal assigned to the Indies.’ Antonio said with

meek modesty.

‘And I am the Queen of the Indies, your highness.’ She said mockingly with a mischievous smile,

her head titled slightly to one side.

Taken back by her words, Antonio took her by the shoulder and pushed her delicately at arms

length and stared at her hard.

‘Someone else and I would taught that person a severe lesson but…’

Rosalin just smiled at him with a taunt. ‘But?’

‘You are too arrogant, you know that?’ Antonio answered letting go off her shoulder.

‘Am I arrogant? No, lets make this simple. It’s the way I am.’ She said without batting an eyelid.

Antonio couldn’t help smile at her remark that he thought to be foolish. ‘Hmm I see you are too

besotted by your own beauty to think that way. ‘

‘No. It’s just that I know the power and the glory attached to this beautiful face.’ On second thought

she added with a wicked smile. ‘Or else why would the Captain of the Royal Navy behave so

humble in front of me.’

Antonio waved out his hand in mock despair. ‘Aha. Humble and me?’

And without another word, he quickly grabbed hold of Rosalin and kissed her hard on the lips. He

then pushed her away and looked at her with a smile. She just trained her eyes on him

mischievously, daring him to try it again as she slowly slid her tongue over her lips. He raised his

palm to touch her face.

She took a step backwards and turning around walked across the hall to the extreme end that led

to a lonely part of the balcony which overlooked the beach some seventy feet down. She paused

at the balcony, slowly turned around to look at Antonio through corridor. His eyes are still on her,

as he stared back through the crowd. She smiled at him seductively.

Antonio shook his head in mock surrender and followed her. The crowd in the room eyed the

couple quaintly through the open corridor and then continued with the partying. Rosalin turned

around and trained her eyes on the moonlight lit beach far below. There was a slight chill in the

air and she wrapped her arms around herself as Antonio neared her.

‘What a beautiful night.’

Antonio stood with his back to the balcony and looked at her. There was a certain kind of glow on

her face. He turned to look down at the beach and didn’t find it any attractive. He turned to look

back at her to see her still staring down lovingly.

‘You love nature don’t you Senora?’

‘What gave you the idea?’ She asked him softly. She knew she was being sarcastic but he didn’t

seem to notice.

‘I have this feeling.’

‘Aha. So you are a good judge of people?’

‘I didn’t say that. I just happen to know a bit about their behavior.’ He said. ‘So you haven’t

answered my earlier question.’

‘What question?’ She said turning around to face him, her back to the sea now.

Antonio slowly inched closer to Rosalin, their bodies nearly touching each other. Rosalin shivered

a bit as he raised his hand to caress her lips. She closed her eyes as she felt his fingers gently

linger on her lips. He was feeling the softness of her lips as he caress it delicately and then move

his fingers down her chin, her neck and further.

‘Son…’

The voice jolted Antonio out of his senses. He quickly pulled back his hand and turned around to

find Viceroy and Fr. Kane standing behind them.

An embarrassed Rosalin gave a quick glance at the Viceroy Fonseca and then at Fr. Kane and

with a soft bow, quickly turned around to look down at the sea shimmering in the moonlight. A

gentle roar of the waves could be heard faintly.

Out of the corner of her eyes, she eyed Fr. Kane and slowly turned into a full gaze as she stared

at him. There was a certain look on his face that kind of mesmerized her. She tried to point out to

herself what it was about his face that so enthralled her. Was it that faint lingering smile or what

it the kindness that emitted from his eyes or was it the peace and tranquility that generated from

his face.

Antonio bowed low at his father. ‘Yes Pai.’

‘Son, I want you to meet Fr. Kane. He’s the new Vicar of the new St. Ignatius’s Church we recently

built on the side hide of this region.’

Antonio took Fr. Kane’s hand and bowing low, kissed it gingerly. ‘Honored Fr. Kane.’

‘Me too, Captain Antonio. The people of Goa are happy to have you in their midst.’

Rosalin was enthralled by the warmth of his voice.

‘Padre, the wonderful people of Goa would feel more blessed with your presence.’ Antonio said

with simplicity. ‘We didn’t get a chance to meet though I believe you traveled with our fleet.’ He

said smiling now.

‘Yes Captain Antonio. Obrigado. You sure are one fine navigator and a born leader.’ There was

a hint of appreciation on Fr. Kane’s face.

Antonio smiled at him and then at his father. He then pointed towards Rosalin. ‘Allow me to

introduce you to my friend. Pai, this is…’

Antonio suddenly realized that he still didn’t knew her name. He quickly took a step towards

Rosalin and in a hushed tone, blurted, ‘Quick, what’s your name Senora?’

‘Shhh. That’s not a nice way to ask a girl her name.’

Viceroy Fonseca and Fr. Kane looked at her skeptically, a smile on their face as they waited

patiently. They couldn’t hear what the two were whispering as Antonio and Rosalin talked

animatedly.

‘Please stop joking, Senora.’ Antonio pleaded in embarrassment.

Rosalin looked at him slyly. Softly she revealed her name.

Antonio with a sigh of relief turned to face his father again. ‘Pai, this is Rosalin… Rosalin, this is

Viceroy Fonseca and Fr. Kane, our new Vicar at the St. Ignatius Church.

Rosalin neared them and as she looked directly at Fr. Kane, she distinctly took in his features.

She was totally mesmerized by the warmth that flowed through him. She slowly took his hand and

falling down low on one knee, kissed the hand delicately in reverence, her eyes glued on his face.

‘ I feel blessed to meet you, Padre.’

She then took a step towards the Viceroy and bowed low.’ Honored to meet you, your highness.’

The Viceroy looked at her hard. ‘Aha. Now I recognize you. You are Pascal Costa’s daughter isn’t

it?’

‘Yes your highness.’

‘Where is your Pai? Haven’t seen him for a long time.’

‘Your highness, he is traveling with his merchandise to Bombaim.’ replied Rosalin.

‘Hmmm Bombaim. Good for him.’ The Viceroy took Fr. Kane by his arm. ‘Ok you two enjoy

yourself. I need to show Fr. Kane around. Excuse us.’

Fr. Kane looked at them both. ‘Pleasure to meet you two. We meet again in church on Sabbath.’

Antonio and Rosalin replied back in unison ‘Yes Padre.’

Smiling at them, Fr. Kane followed the Viceroy back in the hall to meet another group of people.

Rosalin and Antonio watched their retreating back.

‘That man looked so serene.’

‘You mean Fr. Kane?’ Antonio looked at her in surprise.

‘Yes… ‘ She said her eyes still on Fr. Kane. Antonio stared at her. She felt his eyes on her and

quickly turned around to look at the sea far below.

‘It looks so peaceful down there. I feel like a swim.’

Swim and now? Antonio gave a short chuckle as he eyed her in amazement. ‘You are one strange

woman.’

Rosalin looked at him with a teasing seductive smile. ‘Am I?‘

A deafening silence followed as they stared at each other. Softly Anthony whispered. ‘You just

make me sweat when you look at me like that.’

She kept silent as she kept staring back at him seductively. Antonio looked at her warmly and

then across the room at his family and the guests. They all seem preoccupied with the party. He

then took her hand and led her towards a side door. They quickly walked through the door.

Rosalin held back briefly to take a look behind at the party scene. She found Fr. Kane staring at

her with no expressions whatsoever. Their eyes locked with each other’s. She gave him a quick

wink and smiled at him and then quickly turned around and followed Antonio out of the door.

As they disappeared, Marcos, Teresa and Manuel walked down the staircase, in the hall. Teresa

was Antonio’s sister, married to Marcos. Manuel was their 12-year old son. As they walked down,

they scanned the crowd below. ‘Hmm nice party. Where’s Antonio?’ Teresa exclaimed around

looking around and not finding him among the crowd. Marcos and Manuel didn’t bother to answer

as they eyed the party with glee. While Marcos eyed the women, Manuel had his eyes on the food

table that boasted of various delicacies. He was hungry as his mouth watered at the sight of the

lovely food.

* * *

In the clear moonlight, Antonio raced his stead downhill through the dusty track. Rosalin was

seated sideways on the horse ahead of him, her face facing his. She was eyeing him seductively,

her mane flowing in the wind and at one of time, covered her face except her eyes.

‘Oh God, you make me feel like a thorn, Rosa…lin.’ Antonio then brought his hand to her face

and gently swept the hair aside. ‘You are so beautiful, rapariga.’

They had reached the beach and he brought his horse to a stop. She jumped down. She then ran

across the sands, her white satin gown flowing with the wind. She appeared angelic as her gown

glowed in the moonlight, making her appear like a celestial body floating in the wind.

Antonio followed her slowly completely bowled over by her beauty. He saw her kneel down on

the sands, her hands outstretched like a bird. She leaned back and slowly fell on the sands and

lay still.

Antonio walked over and stared at her lying with her eyes closed. He could hear the soft whispers

of her breath. He let his eyes travel on her curvaceous body and felt passion build up inside him.

He knelt down next to her body and let his finger touch her mane. He brought his fingers to curl

the short locks of hers and slowly undid it. He let his fingers gingerly travel down her forehead,

her nose and then her lips. He felt the lips delicately. She shivered slightly under his touch. He let

his fingers trail further down her chin, her neck, over her dress. His fingers got locked at the tied

neckline. He gently pulled at the neckline string and loosened it. He slowly pulled down the top

hem of her dress. He could now make out her rich cleavage. He trailed his finger gingerly through

it and then spreading out his palms, let his hand travel down her flat stomach. Her breath started

coming faster.

It was dark now as the moon hid behind the clouds. Suddenly Antonio heard a strange sound.

Antonio stopped and looked around in the dark. Eyes closed, Rosalin waited in anticipation.

Sensing that he wasn’t working on her anymore, she opened her eyes to find him staring intently

in the darkness across the beach. The moonlight wasn’t being of much help across the beach as

the clouds moved away to expose the moon.

‘Why did you stop?’ she asked him huskily.

‘Thought I heard something.’

‘Must be the breeze darling. Come back.‘ Rosalin got up and wrapped her arms around Antonio

and started to kiss him passionately. Antonio responded to her passionately kissing. They could

feel the passion build up inside them as their tongue explored each other’s mouths. He pulled her

gown down her shoulder exposing her lovely tanned firm breasts. It glistened in the moonlight.

He let his palm knead it as he went on kissing her passionately.

Suddenly, there was a wild screeching sound. They stopped and looked around at the source. In

the distance, they could now see some silhouettes moving around in the dark treacherously.

Sound of shuffling of feet in the sand reached their ears.

Antonio slowly got up and pulled his pistols out of his waistband. He turned around and gave

Rosalin a quick kiss. ‘Wait here. I’ll go and see what it is.’

Rosalin adjusted her dress to cover her breasts and held on to his hand. ‘I’ll come with you.’

Antonio looked at her lovingly. ‘No. This looks dangerous.’

‘I am not afraid to die. Let’s go.’

Antonio took her face between her hands and brought it close, his hands still clutching the pistols.

‘Never say that again. I am a soldier and I am here to kill and not to die at someone else’s hand.’

Rosalin smiled at him apologetically. ‘In that case I am already dead with your poisonous touch

darling.‘

Antonio looked at her hard and then softening, quickly kissed her hard on her lips. He then handed

over one of the pistols to her. ‘Use this if need be.’

Rosalin took the pistol and stared at it somberly. For a girl, she held it strongly in her hand. It was

heavy but she had no difficulty in carrying it as she followed Antonio through the dark beach. The

clouds hid the moon again making it difficult for them to see ahead. In a way it was good she

thought. They slowly and cautiously walked over in the direction of the silhouettes.

Suddenly a masked man lunged at Antonio with a knife. Antonio deftly pushed the man away and

then kicked him hard in the groin. As the man doubled over with pain, Antonio quickly pulled out

his pistol. From the darkness, two other men pounced on him. As he fended them off, his pistol

fell on the ground. As the men slowly and menacingly moved towards him, Rosalin fired the pistol

in the air. The men stopped in their tracks. Antonio lashed out at them. He jumped on the ground

and picked up his pistol and fired at them killing them instantly. 2 more men turned up with knives

and he fired at them too before they could attack him. They too fell down dead. Suddenly the first

man got up writhing in pain and wrapping his arm around Rosalin’s waist, took her hostage. He

held a knife against her neck and menacingly ordered Antonio to throw the pistol away. But

Antonio kept walking towards him.

‘Stop or I will kill her.’ The man called out as Antonio advanced towards him with determined

steps.

‘You won’t. You are a coward.’ Antonio mocked at him.

The man dragged Rosalin a step backward. ‘Ok I’ll let her go if you let me leave.’

‘No way.’

‘Let me go or I’ll kill her too.’ The man seemed to plead now. He could see that Antonio was highly

incensed.

Rosalin felt the man go weak on his hold on her. She realized that he was going to surrender. ‘Let

him go.’ She called out to Antonio.

Hearing her, Antonio pondered for a moment and then stopped in his track. He lowered his pistol.

The man stared at him suspiciously with a heavy awkward pause. He then took few steps

backward, Rosalin still gripped in his arm.

At a safe distance, the man suddenly pushed her away and hastily turned around and ran for his

life. He had hardly taken a few steps when Antonio raised his pistol and fired at him. The man fell

down dead in one shot. Rosalin walked over to the man stunned. She stared down at the dead

body lying sprawled on the sands in shock. She couldn’t believe he was dead. Just a moment

ago, he was alive and now he lay dead. Antonio walked over and put his arm around her to ease

her.

‘You didn’t have to kill him. You went back on your words.’ She cried out shrilly as she push his

hand away.

‘I didn’t give him my words.’

‘But he had surrendered somewhat.’ She cried tearfully.

‘And you think I would have let him lived another day to take another shot at me, no way!’

He turned around and walked across the sands. She stood her ground staring at the dead bodies

lying around feeling remorse for them. She did a slow sign of the cross and followed him not

believing if it was really him that she saw kill all these men so brutally. His hands had appeared

so delicate, they had felt so soft and tender on her body, on her lips. And those hands, could they

really kill? She thought to herself. She was wrong. He was capable of killing. He was a soldier

after all.

They rode back to the village in silence. They reached her house. She got down and walked

towards the gate to the courtyard. He called out to her. ‘Rosalin…’ She stopped but didn’t turn

around. ‘Can I see you again?’ He added gently.

She turned around and nodded her head slowly. He smiled at her and turning around, galloped

towards the palace at high speed.

She slowly walked inside the courtyard and climbed the stairs slowly. She pushed open the door.

It was not locked. She walked in and closed the door behind her. The lamps were still on. She

walked to her room and slowly started undressing. She stared at herself in the mirror as all her

clothes came off. She felt her nipples harden as she remembered Antonio’s delicate touch. A

smile came on her lips and then the next second, she remembered the brutal way Antonio killed

the last surviving member of the gang and a gasp escaped her lips. Was he the same man she

thought aloud again? She lay down on the bed and tried to tell herself that he was a soldier over

and over again. She had no idea when sleep overcame.

Antonio raced inside the palace courtyard and dismounted from his horse. A servant took the

horse away. He walked inside the palace and in the hall. The party was still on.

He silently walked incognito to the balcony where he and Rosalin had stood sometime back. He

gently sniffed the air to feel her presence. Oh God, he was falling in love with her he thought to

himself. She was an enigma, a beautiful and sensual enigma. He stared out at the beach far

below and reminisced those beautiful moments he just shared with her. There were some of the

best moments of his life. Where had she been all this while he wondered to himself. His thoughts

were broken again.

‘Hello your highness.’

He recognized that soft mellow voice even before he could turn around.

‘Hello Padre.’ He called out turning around.

‘What happened? You look hassled, your highness.’

‘Oh nothing. Just had a brush with some bandits down at the beach.’

‘Bandits? Are you ok your highness?’ Fr. Kane asked with concern in his voice.

‘Yes Padre, obrigado.’

‘And your companion? Is she ok?

‘Yes Padre.’ Antonio replied smiling, clearly embarrassed as he looked at Fr. Kane. How many

people must have seen him go out with Rosalin tonight, he thought to himself.

As if reading his thoughts, Fr. Kane replied mischievously. ‘Don’t worry. It’s just me who saw you

and Lady Rosalin go out.

Antonio gave a short chuckle.

‘I guess you will have to tell his highness about it.’ Fr. Kane added.

‘You mean going out with Rosalin?’ He looked incredulously at Fr. Kane.

Fr. Kane shook his head. ‘I meant the bandits.’

Antonio took a deep breath and nodded slowly. He looked across the room. His father was with

Marcos and other family members. He walked over with firm steps towards them. Fr. Kane

followed him.

As they approached the group, a stranger who happened to be Rosalin’s uncle, Tio Alberto,

noticed them and for a fleeting moment, surprise registered on his face but he quickly composed

himself and went on to enjoy the party.

He saw Antonio and Fr. Kane walk to the Viceroy and say something in his ears. The three walked

up the stairs. Through the railings, he saw them enter a room that was the Viceroy’s study.

He looked across the room and saw Kishen. They made some sign to each other and both of

them walked over to a lonely secluded corner.

‘What happened?’ Tio Alberto asked in a hushed tone.

‘I don’t know. I ordered the men to follow him as was planned and to kill him when the opportunity

arises but I guess they missed it.’

‘I don’t like this. We kill him and we shake the Viceroy’s foundation. He has to be eliminated before

he strengthens the Portuguese hold in Goa’

‘You know I want freedom too but I can’t do this myself.’ Kishen pointed out.

‘I know son. You keep an eye on him. By the way, have you met Rosa?

‘No but I did see her. I don’t think she recognizes me after all these years living in Lisbon as a

slave.’

‘Well you better not disclose your identity. Her father is close to the Viceroy and that can hamper

our mission. My own brother with the enemies!’ Tio Alberto shook his head.

‘Shhh someone’s coming. I better go.’ Kishen quickly disappeared in the crowd. Tio Alberto went

about enjoying and mingling with the crowd, his eyes back on the Viceroy’s study.

On the other side of the room even Marcos was curious. He wondered what was being discussed

in the Viceroy’s room and why was it so important for them to leave the party. Isabella, his sister

walked up.

‘Hey Irmao (brother), hope you are enjoying the party.’

‘Sure Isa. Have you met Antonio yet?’

‘No. Where is he?’ She said looking around.

‘He is with his highness in his study.’

‘What is he doing there?’

‘That is what I am wondering…’ Marcos said thoughtfully. ‘Come Isa, let’s dance.’

Isabella was a lovely, attractive, fair woman. She moved around in grace and style, having being

a party of a rich family. Her upbringing had been very royal. Her brother had always made it clear

to her since she came down from Lisbon that Antonio was the man for her. But she had yet to

meet him. It was just yesterday that she had arrived from Bombaim where she had been landed

from Lisbon and after visiting some relatives, traveled down to Goa. And just in one day, she had

heard a lot about him from Marcos and Teresa. She hadn’t got a chance to meet him yesterday

since Antonio had been busy meeting the naval commandments and studying about the

conditions in Goa. She had hoped she would get to meet him today but since she came down for

the party dressed at her elegant best, he had been missing.

‘Well, Irmao I guess now I’ll get to meet him.’ she said as she saw the study door open and the

Viceroy walk out followed by Fr. Kane and Antonio. They walked to the railing and the Viceroy

clapped aloud to catch everyone’s attention. Satisfied, he looked around as everyone stared up

at him waiting for some big announcement.

‘Friends, I thank each one of you for making this a memorable day and for extending a hand of

welcome towards my son. But I have one bad news for you. My son was attacked by some

unknown brigands just about now and he proved his valor by eliminating them like a true soldier.

I am proud of him but at the same time, I must say that I condemn this attack. I won’t tolerate this

kind of aggression against the Portuguese. I repeat I won’t tolerate it. I want you to be harsh on

anyone doing so. My son has set an example. I want you to follow. Understand!!! Now you may

enjoy the party. Cheers!’ The Viceroy raised his glass.

‘Just a minute, your highness.’ Fr. Kane interrupted.

‘Yes Padre?’

‘This Sabbath, let’s offer a thanksgiving at the Church in honor of Antonio coming home and for

his safe delivery from the hands of the bandits.’

The Viceroy smiled. ‘Sure Padre.’ He turned back to the crowd. ‘Friends, this Sabbath, we are

offering a thanksgiving in the Church. Be there.’

The crowd raised their glasses in acceptance. The Viceroy then walked down with Fr. Kane and

Antonio. The crowd surged forward to hear more about the attack but Antonio just smiled it away.

He walked towards his mother and Theresa, his sister who wore a worried look. ‘It’s ok Mae, I am

ok.’ He smiled at them in assurance. Over their shoulders, he saw Marcos wave out to him and

he walked over through the crowd.

‘Hello Marcos and who is this beautiful woman with you?’ He asked her, his eyes on Isabella.

‘You guess.’ Marcos replied back with a wink.

‘Isabella.’ Antonio said with a mischievous smile. ‘Heard you had come and I guess it had to be

you since there is no other woman as beautiful as you in this room.’

Isabella was taken back by his words. So he was aware of her existence. Good she thought to

herself. She extended her hand and Antonio took it and gently kissed it. ‘May we dance?’

They danced together. Marcos watched them. This is what he wanted for his sister. A nice and

deserving husband and a powerful man at that.

With every step she took with Antonio, Isabella realized she wanted more and more of him. She

let her head fall on his shoulder and hugged him closer. She wanted to feel the warmth of his

body. They danced through the late hours in close proximity and as each moment passed, Isabella

realization deepened that she had found her man.

On the other side of the room in a secluded corner, Marcos was animated talking to a beautiful

girl. Fr. Kane watched them and his eyes followed them as they went deeper in the darkness. He

didn’t have to see what they were up to. He knew they were indulging in an immoral act. He shook

his head slowly. He didn’t like it.

* * *

St. Ignatius church was just a year old. It had taken 4 years for the simple and yet attractive

building to come up with its intricately designed interiors, the décor, the statues and the paintings.

Fr. Crasto, an elderly priest on the verge of retirement had been entrusted to minister the church

till a suitable replacement could be made. It was at the behest of Viceroy Fonseca that Fr. Kane

was brought to Goa from Lisbon. He preferred someone from Portugal rather than a local priest.

Attached to the church just near the sacristy, was a small single house for the priest to live. As

soon as he came down from Lisbon, Fr. Kane had moved to this house. Having given him charge

of the church and after explaining him all the details, Fr. Crasto had taken his leave to report to

the Bishop of the province.

The house had two doors. One that led directly from outside while the other door opened in the

sacristy that led to the church. Seated at his bedside table, Fr. Kane opened his diary. He had

just returned back from the party and after saying his night prayers, got down to writing his day’s

happening in the diary, a habit he had formed since his seminary days. His room was a small 8

by 6 room. Other than the doors, a small window adorned one wall where his bed was put up. It

was open and a soft breeze was blowing making the room cool. He pulled out his quill.

‘… It was a wonderful evening and I happened to meet new people. I am going to enjoy my stay

here and with God’s will, I hope to guide them on the righteous path…’

* * *

The next morning, Kayani ran up to Rosalin’s house. She knocked on the door persistently.

Finally the house slave opened it and moved aside on seeing her. Kayani ran inside to Rosalin’s

room. She pushed open the door and walked in to find Rosalin sprawled on the bed fast asleep,

a sheet covering her. She sat on the bed and shook her up.

‘Hey Roza, get up, you silly girl.’

Rosalin murmured in her sleep.

‘Hey get up. I want to know how the party was last night.’

‘Hmmm ok.’ She murmured again and turned her face the other side. Her sheet moved down a

bit exposing her breasts partially.

‘Hey Rosa, get up baby. I want to know how the party was?’

Rosalin turned around and opened her eyes.

‘It was good. Now let me sleep.’ She said closing her eyes and slumping back on the bed.

‘Just good? Did you meet the Captain?’

‘Oh Kayani let me sleep please.’

‘No. First tell me if you met him or not?’

‘I met him and I even flirted with him. Happy? Now please.’

They heard a discreet knock on the main door. Rosalin pulled the sheet up to cover herself. ‘Who

can it be so early in the morning?’

‘Morning? The sun’s nearly up over your head. Come on get up I have a news to share with you.’

Her mother barged in the room excitedly. ‘Hey Roza, get up get up fast. The new Padre is here.’

‘Who?’ She asked with a lazy murmur.

‘The new Padre from our church. And he is so young.’

Rosalin looked at her perplexed and then suddenly she realized who it was. ‘You mean Padre

Kane?’

‘I haven’t asked him his name. You dress up and come out quick.’ The mother hurried out. Rosalin

got up and wrapped the sheet around her. She tiptoed to the door and slowly peered outside.

Through the corridor, she saw Fr. Kane seated in the main room and checking some artifact in

front of him, a beautiful porcelain doll that her father had brought from Japan. She quickly closed

the door behind her and walked to the bathroom.

‘What happened?’

‘Oh it’s the new Padre. I met him at the party yesterday. A very nice man. You hold on while I get

ready.’

Few minutes later, Rosalin walked out in the hall, clean and dressed in a pink satin gown. Fr.

Kane was reading from the bible a passage. He paused and looked up at her. She smiled at him

and sat down on the floor next to her mother and the twins. Fr. Kane continued reading and finally

done with the passage, he closed the bible and folding his hands, closed his eyes.

‘Now we recite the Lord’s Prayer. Please repeat after me…’

‘Pai nosso, que estás no Céu

seja santificado o teu nome.

Venha o teu reino.

Seja feita a tua vontade, assim na Terra como no Céu.

Dá-nos hoje o pão nosso de cada dia.

E perdoa as nossas ofensas

assim como nós perdoamos aos nossos ofensores.

E não nos leves à tentação,

mas livra-nos do Mal. Amen.’

‘Amen’ they cried in unison as the prayer ended.

Fr. Kane then pulled out a small holy water sprinkler and sprinkled some holy water on them and

around the house. Done, he sat down again.

‘Padre it’s nice to see you.’ Rosalin told him earnestly. ‘We are really honored to have you in our

house.’

Fr. Kane smiled at her. ‘I decided to visit the villages around and meet our people. Someone

pointed out that this is Pascal Costa’s house and I came over.’

‘Padre, this is my mother.’ Rosalin said indicating her mother who quickly bowed low. And they

are my cousins, Maria and Theresa.’

The twins smiled at him. He gently placed his hand on Maria’s and then Teresa’s heads in

blessing.

‘God bless you two and give you wisdom.’

‘Obrigado Padre.’ The children replied together.

‘I think I’ll go. I have more houses to visit.’ Fr. Kane got up. He turned to Rosalin. ‘Senora, would

you be kind enough to show me around the village?’

‘Yes Padre.’

The two walked out of the house. The dusty lane left a trail of dust behind as they walked slowly.

Nobody said a word as they walked down the lane towards the other side of the village in silence.

Occasionally they would pass a house and she would silently nod her head sideways to indicate

that it was a pagan’s house.

‘I hope you are alright Senora?’ He said softly.

Rosalin looked at him in surprise. ‘Pardon me?

‘I am talking about last night. Everyone’s fretting over Captain Antonio. No one knew that you

were there with him and I didn’t want to worry your family back home, so found an excuse to ask

you outside.’

‘Obrigardo Padre. I am quite ok.’

‘Good. It’s God’s will that you and Captain Antonio are safe and sound.’

‘Yes Padre.’

‘He is a true soldier and by killing the 5 bandits, he has proved that he is the right person to protect

this land from the enemies.’

Rosalin looked at him with tenderness. ‘Padre, you are a man of God and yet you talk of a man

who’s killed someone, as being righteous?’

‘Senora, a soldier is a protector of man and God. If he can’t protect you, you won’t find the need

to seek God and offer your thanksgiving. If God won’t show you the other side of life, the dark

side, you won’t show Him that you need Him. That you do care for Him.’

They had reached the outskirt of the village. They stopped. He turned around to face her.

‘This Sabbath, there is a thanksgiving offered by the Viceroy for his son. I hope you attend the

same and offer your thanksgiving too to God. He’ll appreciate it.’

‘Yes Padre.’ She answered humbly.

Fr. Kane smiled at her and placing his head on her head, blessed her and walked away as Rosalin

watched him go.

* * *

‘Sire, this is Montanha village. The most prominent one in the area and closer to the palace.’

Kishen indicated with a wide arc of his hand across Rosalin’s village sprawled below. He was with

Antonio and a few of other soldiers atop a small dusty track that ended at a ridge that overlooked

the village. Behind them, the church loomed large over them. They were there to do a survey of

the area for Antonio’s sake. Antonio looked down at the village, slowly taking in the breathtaking

sight. Lush, green fields surrounded the village and beyond it. On the other side, the sea sparkled

under the bright sun.

‘Once you cross the village, a short distance away Sire, is the market place. It’s where most of

the revenues are generated by way of taxes that we levy. Traders from all over Goa ensemble

there once a month with their wares. We also have some of our village and town locals running

shops there.’

Antonio quietly took in the details as Kishen went on. Mid way, he turned around his horse and

trotted down the hill while the others followed him. Kishen kept abreast with him as he continued

pointing out important locations. They had reached the church and unconsciously Antonio did a

sign of the cross as he passed it. They traveled down the hill at a trot and came to the village.

The village was widely sprawled with some of the houses quite big. Kishen pointed out that the

big houses belonged to the local Christians who had found favor with the Portuguese while the

other houses belonged to the pagans. There were huge gaps between most of the houses with

the dusty street that ran through the village.

Kishen pointed out further. ‘Since the head of the village is Pascal Costa who happens to be a

personal acquaintance of his highness, these pagans are given certain liberties.’

They were now trotting the dusty path through the village. The villagers had gathered out on

hearing the sound of the hoof beats. They recognized Antonio as the member of the royal family

and they quickly bowed their head in reverence. Antonio slowly nodded in their direction as he

scanned their faces. His eyes were on the lookout for Rosalin. He recalled from the night of the

party, that she was Pascal Costa’s daughter.

‘Where is Costa’s house?’ He asked aloud.

Kishen gave him a sideward glance. ‘That’s the house.’ He pointed out indicating Rosalin’s house.

They reached the house that Kishen pointed out. Antonio got down from his horse and walked

inside the courtyard. Kishen signaled the soldiers to wait outside. He too decided to stay outside

as he gave Antonio a long look. Unaware of Kishen’s unfriendly stare, Antonio walked down the

courtyard and climbed the steps to the house. He rapped sharply on the door and waited. He

could hear footsteps inside walk over. The door was pulled open sharply and Rosalin’s mother

peered outside to find Antonio standing outside. Her eyes traveled from his head to his toes taking

in the royal vest he wore.

‘Yes?’ She bellowed at him, not recognizing him. Being in good books of the Viceroy made her

too brave a woman, to be in awe of a man in uniform.

‘My name’s Antonio… Antonio Fonseca.’ Antonio extended his hand. Hearing his name, she

quickly realised who he was as she took his hand and bowed low hastily.

‘I am sorry your highness, I didn’t recognize you.’ She sputtered as she took a step backwards.

‘Please come in your highness in our humble abode.’

Antonio entered and slowly took the room inside. ‘Nice house.’

Mrs Costa nodded eagerly, a big smile on her face.

Antonio looked around and then turned towards her. ‘Nobody seems to be home?’ Before she

could reply, laughter filtered across to their ears. Antonio casually walked over to the extreme

window and looked outside. Outside, he could see a small river run by. Near the river there was

a small clearing. Rosalin’s friends, her two cousins and some of her friends were playing a peculiar

game. He watched them play and then shifted his eyes on Rosalin. She was seated on the boulder

and singing a folk song as she watched most of other girls play Fugdi, a local folk dance which

he wasn’t aware of. They certainly seemed to be enjoying themselves, Antonio thought to himself

as he watched them.

‘That’s my daughter Rosalin, there on that boulder.’ Mrs Costa pointed out proudly, her chest

swelling with pride.

Antonio simply nodded in acceptance, his eyes glued on Rosalin. He watched her for some time

and then silently walked out of the house. Mrs Costa watched him curiously. She saw him go

around the house. She went back to the window and saw him circle the house to come to the rear

where the river flowed. She saw him stop at a distance and enjoy the dance as some of the girls,

mostly in pairs but a couple of them in trios, their hands holding each other’s crisscrossed,

increase the pace of their circular movements. As Rosalin increased the tempo of her singing, the

girls increased the speed of their circular movements to match the speed and finally it reached its

climax as the singing reached its crescendo and then the swaying slowed down to a complete

stop. The girls’ laughter filled the air as they tried to catch their breath. Suddenly they stopped as

a lone clapping reached their ears. They turned around to find Antonio walking towards them

applauding. They quickly reverted their eyes in embarrassment. Rosalin quickly jumped down

from the boulder as she saw him.

‘Your highness, this is a pleasant surprise.’

‘Was passing by, thought I’ll meet you to find out if you are ok.’

‘I am fine your highness, obrigado.’

He glanced across the girls. Kayani shied away and hid behind the others. Antonio smiled

mischievously.

‘What was all that?’

‘That’s one of our folk dances, your highness.’ Rosalin answered with pride.

‘Antonio.’ He pointed out, his eyes still glued on the girls.

‘Pardon me?’ She looked at him quizzically. And then it dawned on her and she smiled in

embarrassment. She realised he wanted her to call him by his first name. He walked over to the

girls and looked at each of them. He took hold of Marie’s hands and imitated the dance but it

proved awkward for him as he nearly tripped over his own feet. The girls burst out laughing.

Antonio joined in the laughter.

‘Will someone show me how it is done?’

Rosalin walked over and stood facing him. ‘Let me show you how to do it.’ She glanced across

at Kayani. ‘Kayani, you sing.’

But Kayani went further into hiding behind the girls. ‘I’ll sing, I’ll sing.’ Marie yelled enthusiastically.

Rosalin looked at her in approval and nodded her head. Marie started the folk song and Rosalin

slowly cross her hands at the wrists and indicated Antonio to do the same. With her right hand

she clasped his right and with her left she held on to his left hand. With both the feet close together,

she let her body slant backwards as far as the grip would allow her. Antonio did the same and

slowly she started to sway around in a circle. Antonio kept abreast of her actions, as their feet slid

on the ground in an arc. The pace was slow but as Marie got faster with her song, the circular

movement went faster and faster. But for Antonio, a first time dancer, it was too much and he

found his feet entangling with hers sending both of them sprawling on the ground. And as he fell

on his back, his hands still clutching hers, he found himself pulling her too with him. He hit the

ground with a big thud and she followed him as her chest rammed into his, bring a big gasp out

of her. He held on to her as she tried to catch hold of her breath.

‘You ok?’ He asked her with concern. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Slowly she

opened her eyes again to look at him. ‘I think you need a few more lessons.’

‘Well if you are going to teach me, I’ll take lessons throughout my lifetime.’ He replied

mischievously, his eyes locked on her face.

They silently stared at each other. Behind them, one of the girls said something and all the girls

broke into laughter bringing them out of their trance. She quickly got up, dusting herself. Antonio

got up behind her and found the girls still giggling. He looked at Rosalin.

‘What’s so funny?’

Rosalin stifled her laughter. ‘Antonio, this dance is only done by women!’

‘Oh.’ Antonio looked around in embarrassment as the girls again broke into laughter. Rosalin too

joined them and Antonio found himself smiling at his own little joke.

From the house window, her mother watched the scene with growing concern. This was all going

in the wrong directions, she thought to herself.

* * *

‘In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti…’ Fr. Kane’s voice boomed outside the church in a

singsong voice as people walked in at a frenzied pace inside the church. The mass had started.

The crowd’s voice rose in unison in reply, Amen.

Inside the church, Fr. Kane waited patiently for the echo to settle down. The congregation waited.

Across the room, Fr. Kane eyed the last man as he walked in quickly and took a stand in the pew.

‘Brother and sisters, we are here today to celebrate the Divine Liturgy and to offer our thanksgiving

to God for safeguarding Captain Antonio’s life from an armed attack last night…’ The sound of

horse hoof beats reached his eyes and he slowly paused. At the entrance of the Church, he saw

a chariot come and stop and Viceroy Fonseca and his wife climb down, followed by Antonio who

looked around eagerly obviously searching for someone. The Viceroy and Lady Viceroy walked

inside the entrance while Antonio waited impatiently outside. Seconds later, Fr. Kane saw the

Viceroy walk out. ‘Son, aren’t you coming in?’

‘Yes Pai…’ Antonio blurted quickly and taking one last look around, followed his father inside the

Church. Fr. Kane has started the ‘I confess…’ recital and the crowd had joined in. As the prayer

progressed, Fr. Kane saw the Viceroy Fonseca and his wife walk in followed by a hesitating

Antonio who kept looking behind fugitively a couple of times and finally followed his parents.

Suddenly someone ran behind Antonio and held his hand and pulled him back. It was Rosalin.

Smiling, she dragged him outside with one hand while with the other hand, she furtively did a sign

of the cross in repentance. Antonio quickly tried to keep pace and at the same time, looked behind

to see if his parents were looking and seeing no sign as such, hurried out. Fr. Kane for a moment

went slow with the prayers as he stared at their retreating back.

They ran half way down hill to a paddy field and were now sitting at the edge overlooking a

beautiful lake. Across the lake, they could make out a village. ‘That’s my house over there.’ She

pointed out her huge house that stood tall among the other houses in the village.

‘Looks very cozy to me.’

It is.’ She answered. She brought her head down for a second. ‘We made a mistake. I think we

should have attended the Liturgy. It was in your honor.’

Antonio took her face in his hands. ‘I have my whole life in front of me to offer my thanks to God.

But this moment to be with you is once in a lifetime opportunity.’

Rosalin looked at him innocently. ‘Am I that important to you?’

Antonio looked back at her lovingly and then brought his lips to hers and started to kiss her

passionately. Suddenly she stopped him and pushed him back. Her eyes fell on the lake where a

fisherman in a small fishing boat had ventured in the middle and had cast his net. She watched

him silently as he pulled his net in and empted the few fishes he caught in a bucket in the boat.

‘You see him?’ Rosalin pointed out. ‘Someday I want to be happy with whatever little I get but

then I am highly ambitious too and I am afraid that being too ambitious might prove disastrous for

me.’

Antonio looked at her. ‘It’s good to be ambitious Senora. I’ll help you attain your goals, to realize

your dreams…’

She looked at him sideways. ‘I don’t even know what I desire. My heart’s in a turmoil.’

She turned back to look at the fisherman casting his nets again. Time went by slowly as she

relaxed in his arms, her head nesting against his shoulder as she watched the fisherman

laboriously go about with his fishing.

* * *

It was a beautiful day and the market place was buzzing with activity. Merchants were seeing

lugging their wares and setting up stalls. Rosalin, Kayani and a group of other girls walked around

admiring the ware. They came to stop at a shop displaying jewelry. They start to browse through

giggling and laughing while at the same time admiring the stuff.

Kayani picked up some earrings and held it against her ears. ‘How’s this?’

‘Gee, that’s awful. Here try these.’ She handed over another pair to her. Kayani took the earrings

from her and placed it near her ears. Rosalin looked at both her ears with a keen eye. ‘Yes, that

looks nice.’ She took back the earrings and turned to the shopkeeper. ‘ How much for these?

‘½ Reis Senora.’

‘Are you crazy? I could buy a complete set of jewelry for that sum. Hey Kayani, choose another

pair and pay him ½ Reis for both the pairs.’

‘But Senora, I can’t afford to give 2 pairs at that price.’ The shopkeeper pleaded.

Rosalin slowly turned around to look at him directly. She gave him a hard look and the man

flinched under her stare. She then turned on her charm and fluttered her eyelids seductively and

innocently as she inched her face close to his. ‘If you desire, I am sure you’ll afford 3 pairs at that

price, Senor.’

The shopkeeper went weak in his knees. His face went beet red as he spoke huskily. ‘If you

desire, sure Senora.’

‘Then here’s ½ Reis.’ She said softly as she took the money from Kayani and handed the same

to the dumbstruck shopkeeper. The shopkeeper took the money in a daze, his eyes still trained

on her face.

‘Obrigado Senor.’ She continued. ‘You have been very kind. I shall see you again. Bye.’

Rosalin waved her hand gingerly in the face of the awed shopkeeper and with her eyes still on

him seductively, turned around and walked away. The others stifled their laughter and followed

Rosalin. As they turned a corner they couldn’t control their laughter and broke down laughing

hysterically. ‘Oh my god, Rosa, you should have seen his face. My god, that man…’ Kayani

laughed again. The others followed suit unable to control themselves. A voice interrupted.

‘Hello Senora…’

Rosalin stopped laughing. With a long drawn pause, she slowly turned around with a smile to face

Fr. Kane.

‘Hello Padre. Nice to see you again.’

‘Same here. You know how to bargain I see.’

Rosalin blushed with embarrassment while the others bowed their head in shame.

With an apologetic smile, she replied, ‘I didn’t realise you were around. I am sorry about that.’

‘It’s okay. ‘

‘What brings you to the market place, Padre?’

‘I am supposed to meet someone.’ Fr. Kane looked at Kayani and the others. ‘Your friends I

believe.’

‘Yes Padre. This is Kayani, my closest friend.’

‘Greetings Senora.’ He gently called out to Kayani who smiled and nodded her head in

embarrassment.

Fr. Kane turned to Rosalin again. ‘You know something. It doesn’t hurt to come up to the church

on Sabbath and spend some time with God. Next Divine Liturgy, I hope you will concentrate more

on God and less on…’

‘Yes Padre.’ Rosalin responded slowly in embarrassment, her head bowed low.

Kayani walked over hesitatingly and whispered something in Rosalin’s ears. Rosalin looked at

her in shock and nodded her head sideways quickly.

‘Is something wrong?’ Fr. Kane asked her with concern in his voice.

Hesitantly, she replied no.

‘Rapariga, if I can be of assistance, please feel free to ask me.’ Fr. Kane told Kayani. Kayani

looked over at Rosalin intriguingly .

‘Padre, in 3 days time, Kayani is getting married according to the Hindu customs in the confines

of her house. And she said she would be highly honored if you were to attend the same.’ Rosalin

told him hesitantly.

Fr. Kane pondered hard. He looked at Kayani silently. Her eyes were lowered. He looked at

Rosalin and then at the others.

‘We are sorry Padre.’ Rosalin said softly. ‘Please ignore her plea.’

Antonio’s voice rang out from behind them. ‘Am I interrupting anything?’ Kayani and the other

girls quickly stepped backwards. ‘Greetings your highness.’ Fr. Kane called out softly.

‘Greetings Padre.’ He turned to Rosalin. ‘Greetings Senora.’ She nodded her head in reply.

Antonio turned again to Fr. Kane. ‘What brings you to the market place Padre?’

‘I had to meet someone your highness. Sorry about this but if you will excuse me, I’ll take your

leave.’

‘Sure Padre’. Antonio bowled low. Fr. Kane nodded in his direction and then at Rosalin and the

others. Antonio saw Fr. Kane walk away with slow enigmatic gait. People bowed their heads low

as they greeted him. Antonio and Rosalin watched him talk to one or two people gently. ‘That man

surely emits an aura of charisma.’

‘Yes your excellency.’ Rosalin whispered softly.

‘I need to talk to you Rosalin.’

‘Sure your excellency.’ She replied eyeing him seductively. ‘Wait while I inform my friends.’ She

walked to the group. ‘Kayani, you all carry on, I’ll see you later at your place.’

‘Where are you going?’ Kayani asked her in a hushed voice.

‘Guess.’ Saying this, she walked back to Antonio. She could see he didn’t have his horse with

him. They walked out of the market place as the onlookers gave them curious glances.

As they walked in silence, their hands seemed to touch unconsciously with each other’s and a

shiver seemed to pass through her body. There was something about his touch that electrified

her. They had reached a dense wood. ‘This way your excellency.’ She called out. They walked

down a small path. They could hear the low gushing sound of water.

They reached a clearing from where a stream flowed. In the middle of the stream, there was a

huge boulder. Rosalin picked up the hem of her dress and lifted it up a bit and waded through the

cold water. Antonio silently followed her. He looked around. There wasn’t a soul in sight. The

place was remote except for the sound of birds chirping up in the trees.

He saw Rosalin climb atop the boulder and slowly dipped her feet in the flowing waters and watch

small fishes swim around it and nibble at her toes and tickling her. Antonio followed her and sat

down next to her. ‘This is a nice place, very calm and serene.’

‘I come here often when I need to relax, your excellency.’

‘Antonio, call me Antonio.’

She nodded in agreement. Silence followed. She then spoke again softly.

‘You knew I was at the market place?’

‘Yes.’ He answered.

‘You went out of the way to meet me. Why?’

‘Cause I wanted to see you again Rapariga.’

‘Well we did meet the other day.’

‘I wanted to meet you again.’

But then why me? There are a whole lot of other beautiful women out there.’

‘But not as beautiful as you.’

‘You are joking Antonio.’ She said with a smile.

No. I am not. Ever since I first saw you, I had been fascinated by you. You are an enigma to me,

an enigma.’

She gave a shallow laughter. ‘So why don’t you try and unravel this enigma, this puzzle?’

‘I am hoping to do that and soon.’

‘Pray, what do you have in mind, your excellency.’

‘Marriage.’

‘Marriage?’ She knew she got him right. ‘Did I hear you right?’

Antonio got up and turned his body around to face her. He knelt in front of her and gently taking

her face in his palms, kissed her delicately on her lips. He then looked her in the eyes. ‘Would

you marry me Senora?’

There was a silence.

Antonio continued. ‘I had spent my childhood in Goa. I always had fond visions about this place.

And over the years while I lived my life in Lisbon, my life was devoid of something I couldn’t

fathom. Something that made me dream of this place night and day. Something that made me

come back. I could have lived the rest of my life in Lisbon, enjoyed a luxurious life, married one

of the beautiful women there but no. I had to come back. And then I met you and my life turned

beautiful and wholesome. You added that extra color to my life and made it a majestic masterpiece

Senora. Fill my life with more colors Senora. Color me beautiful that I may become the envy of

others. Marry me Senora, marry me!’

She pulled his hands away and looked at him, her face devoid of expression. She then burst out

laughing and giving him a gentle push, jumped in the stream. She then started splashing water

all over him. Antonio found himself getting drenched. He jumped in after her and started splashing

water all over her. As her gown got wet, she found it clinging to her body. She realized that her

body was visible through the wet cloth and Antonio’s gaze was fixed on her breasts. She crossed

her arms to cover it. He gently pried her hands way and kissed her.

He then let her go and climbed out of the stream. ‘I can wait darling.’ He called out loud over his

shoulder. She didn’t say anything as she followed him out of the stream. She tried to drip the

gown at her ankle dry as much as possible. Antonio watched her in silence. She looked so lovely

with the wet hair falling down on her shoulder, the droplets that glistened on her tanned face, the

curves of her body that was clearly outlined. Softly he whispered close to her ears. ‘You damn

very well amaze me! He paused. ‘You haven’t answered my question Senora?’

She stopped what she was doing and looked at him. She then dropped her eyes low. ‘Yes.’ She

whispered back. A beaming smile irrupted on his face and he quickly gave her a tight hug and

held her close. ‘You made me a very happy man Rosa. You have been more than generous with

that one word you just uttered.’ She remained silent and let the warmth of the body melt the icy

chill in her.

* * *

Rosalin’s family members were seated around the table enjoying lunch. Pascal Costa was

beaming with joy. It was just that morning that he had arrived back from Bombaim and as he took

in the news about Antonio’s proposal, profound riches flashed across in his mind. He looked

happily at Rosalin. ‘Daughter, you have made me proud. ‘

‘You don’t understand Pascal. This match is no good. We don’t want their riches and power. I

have already told Pedro that Rosa will marry him.’ Rosalin’s mother intervened.

‘Aha. Pedro? That idiot doesn’t know how to take care of his own self. How is he going to look

after my beautiful daughter? Rosa, I have no problem with your marriage to Antonio. Let me talk

to Viceroy Fonseca. Rosa’s mother, do you realise the power we will have once Rosa marries

Antonio. Daughter, you are great, absolutely great. You sure picked the right man for your future

husband.’

Pascal Costa started to laugh. Rosalin’s mother gave a short grunt, a sneer on her face. Rosalin

looked at her and finding it funny, started to laugh. Her cousins too joined in and soon the house

reverberated with their laughter.

* * *

The mood was festive in the village. Though the fear of the Portuguese interrupting the wedding

loomed large, the villagers still went ahead holding the wedding but with low fun fare. The

courtyard in front of Kayani’s house was richly decorated. Colorful lanterns were tied around to

light the place. Mattresses were set at one part of the courtyard for the guests.

In the center of the courtyard, the priest sat chanting mantras in front of the sacred fire. At the

auspicious time the priest called out to the two families to bring the bride and groom. The two

were carried out of Kayani’s house on a wooden pedestal.

While Kayani sat on one wearing a bright red sari, her head lowered and her face covered in the

hem of her sari, the groom bore a spot white kurta, a traditional dress. They were lowered on the

ground on the other side of the sacred fire.

The priest continued with the chanting. Behind him, Rosalin stood with some other girls, giggling

and joking with them as they watched Kayani. One of the girls said something in Rosalin’s ears.

Rosalin stifled her laughter and then walked across to Kayani. She lowered herself and slowly

lifted Kayani’s veil. She took a long look at her. ‘You look so beautiful.’ Kayani blushed. Behind

her, Rosalin could hear the children creating a ruckus as they ran helter shelter playing. Rosalin

got closer and whispered in her ears. ‘Take care tonight. Don’t let your husband keep you awake

all night or you’ll end up keeping the others awake.’

Kayani’s face turned red. She whispered back. ‘Wait till your turn comes.’

‘Oh yes but my might first night would be absolute divine.’ The two giggled.

Suddenly a big silence spread around as if on cue. Rosalin turned around to find Fr. Kane walking

in the courtyard. The guests all stood still staring at him questioningly. Fr. Kane walked over and

stood near the bridal couple. The village elders looked at him with suspicion. One of them

whispered loud enough for the words to reach Fr. Kane’s years. ‘What’s he doing here?’ She

pointed out indicating Fr. Kane.

Rosalin quickly walked over to Fr. Kane as Kayani’s mother called out to her. Rosalin went over

to her. ‘What’s he doing here?’

‘Oh him. Kayani invited him for the wedding.’

‘Well you better ask him to leave. Now! We don’t want any of your people over here.’ She blurted

out and walked over to where Kayani’s father stood with the village elders.

The whole crowd watched at him with hostility. Fr. Kane smiled around, ignoring their unpleasant

looks and walked over to Kayani. He slowly lowered himself as he pulled out something from his

pocket. He took hold of Kayani’s hand and placed the object in her palm.

‘This is for you. Hope it brings you lots of peace and happiness in your married life and safeguard

you from all harm.’

Kayani looked at the object in her palm. It was cross, encrusted with precious stones. She slowly

brought it to her lips and kissed it in reverence and then clutched it tightly. Fr. Kane got up and

placed his hand on her head. ‘Bless you child.’

He turned around and walked towards the exit. Rosalin ran after him. ‘Padre, won’t you stay back

for the rituals?’ She questioned him.

‘I wish I could but I have some impending work.’ He smiled back at the villagers and slowly walked

out leaving Rosalin staring at her retreating back. ‘

You are such a gentle and understanding soul.’ She thought to herself.

‘Give me that.’ She heard Kayani’s mother screaming. She turned around to find Kayani’s mother

groping Kayani’s palm for the cross. Getting it, she threw it angrily in the fire. ‘Panditji, you start

with the rituals.’

A single tear flowed down Kayani’s cheeks as the priest started his chanting again. The crowd

slowly circled the bridal couple. Rosalin stood rooted to the spot as Kayani’s mother glared at her

through the crowd. Rosalin slowly stepped backwards and then turned around and walked out of

the courtyard.

She ran through the village street. In the distance she could see the ghostly figure of Fr. Kane

walking gracefully across the street in his white cassock. ‘Padre!’ She called out loudly. Fr. Kane

stopped and turned. Rosalin ran up puffing. ‘Sorry Padre for what happened out there.’

‘It’s ok Senora.’

‘That was sweet of you what you gave Kayani.’

‘That’s what I am here for. To spread God’s words.’

Rosalin smiled at him.

‘I hope you don’t do this with me at my wedding.’

‘Do what?’ Fr. Kane looked at her confused.

‘I mean leaving my wedding half way Padre. I want you to stay till the end for my wedding.’

‘Senora, how can I not stay. It will be an honor for me. By the way, congratulations! I heard the

news from the Viceroy.’ Fr. Kane extended his hand. Rosalin gently took it. ‘Obrigado.’

There was a long pause. ‘I guess I better get back at the Church. Have a long day tomorrow at

the hospital.’

Fr. Kane pulled his hand away and walked away. Rosalin watched his retreating back till he

disappeared around the lane.

* * *

There was a festive atmosphere outside the church. A large crowd was gathered around the

church in a festive of colors for the grand occasion. It was the wedding day of Antonio and Rosalin.

Armed soldiers kept the crowd at bay.

A cavalcade of more soldiers rode up the path and stopped at the entrance. They stood to

attention. Pallbearers ran up smartly carrying palanquins on their shoulders. They too stopped at

the entrance and gently set the palanquins down and stood to attention with their hands folded

and heads bowed.

Fr. Kane walked out of the Church and approaches the first palanquin as Viceroy Fonseca

alighted from it. Lady Fonseca exited from the second palanquin.

Antonio rode up smartly dressed in his official dress and looking smart. Musicians started to play

music on their instruments. The crowd cheered wildly. Fr. Kane shook hands with the Viceroy.

‘Welcome your majesty.’

‘Thank you Fr. Kane. Aha, here comes Antonio. Look at him Padre. Doesn’t he look smart and

handsome?’

‘Your highness, Antonio looks the perfect groom. I am honored to be the one to preside over the

holy matrimony.’

Antonio walked up smartly towards them. ‘Hello Pai… Hello Padre.’

Fr. Kane looked at the beaming Antonio. ‘Hello your highness. You look the perfect gentleman.’

‘Padre, this is a blessed day for me and for Rosalin to be the first to unite in this house of the Lord

under your care. This is indeed a big day for me and for the woman I love.’

Suddenly commotion broke. Musicians started to play again. Antonio, Viceroy Fonseca and Fr.

Kane turned around to find soldiers on horsebacks slowly trot up escorting a lone but beautiful

golden palanquin is in their midst followed by a chariot.

‘Here comes the beautiful bride.’

Antonio walked over to the palanquin as it’s set down. He slowly pulled open the curtain. A hand

came out and Antonio took it and gently led Rosalin out of the palanquin. They stared at each

other lovingly, he completely bowled over by her beauty. ‘You look absolutely enticing.’

Rosalin blushed. She then took his arm and they turned around and walked to the others. Lady

Fonseca took her in her arms and embraced her. ‘You look beautiful my love. You make me so

proud to have such a wonderful and beautiful daughter-in-law like you.’

‘Thank you your highness.’

‘Mai, call me Mai.’

Rosalin nodded slowly as she brought her veil down. Through her veil, she looked at Fr. Kane

who too was riveted by her look. He was staring at her gently. Slowly she lifted her veil up again,

her eyes locked with. Fr. Kane. Seeing her stare back, Fr. Kane quickly diverts his attention away.

‘Shall we proceed, Padre?’ The Viceroy looked at Fr. Kane.

‘Eh yes your highness.’ Fr. Kane turned around and walked inside the church followed by the

bridal couple and the others.

Back at the palace, Marcos was in a bad mood. He stood at the balcony overlooking the hillside,

a glass of wine in his hand. He could see the steeple of the church in the distant Sound of

Gregorian music floated across in his ears.

Behind him, Teresa adjusted her hat and looked at her reflection in the mirror approvingly.

Satisfied, she then turned around to look at Marcos with anticipation. There is a long dead silence.

He could feel her eyes on him. She broke the silence. ‘It’s time to go.’

‘You carry on.’ He replied his eyes still on the church steeple.

‘I am not going alone.’

Angrily Marcos smashed the glass against the balcony railing and turned around. He walked over

and took her by her shoulders. ‘Listen and listen carefully. I am not coming. You get me? I am not

coming!’

‘Marcos, Pai won’t like this. He is expecting both of us.’

Marcos let go off her shoulders in a huff and walked back to the balcony. ‘I don’t give a shit about

his likings. He has proved how senile he is by agreeing to this stupid marriage. Aha the great

Captain Antonio to marry a cheap whore… what’s that bitch’s name?’

‘Marcos!’

‘Shut up! Your Pai does not realise that stupid bitch is just out to destroy this house. Mark my

word, she’ll be the cause of our downfall. Remember that. A lowly girl dreaming to be a part of

the royal family! Now you go away and let me be in peace.’

‘Fine. I am leaving. But keep in mind that Pai is not going to like this. He’ll need a good reason

from you for not attending the nuptials. You better have one ready when he gets back,

otherwise…’

She took a pause as she turned around to look herself in the mirror. She adjusted her dress and

her hat. She then gives Marcos one last look and then walked towards the door. Marcos stared

at her retreating back pensively. ‘Wait…’

* * *

As they arrived at the church, the sound of the Gregorian chant reverberated as the choir sang a

hymn. Its then came to a resounding stop as they stepped inside just in time to see Fr. Kane walk

out of the pulpit towards Antonio and Rosalin.

Fr. Kane had a bible in his hand. He stood before Rosalin and Antonio and looked at them both.

‘Antonio and Rosalin, you are here in the presence of the Lord to unite in the holy matrimony.’ He

turned to Antonio. ‘In Lord’s presence, do you Antonio, take this woman Rosalin whom you hold

by the hand to be your lawfully wedded wife, and do you covenant to be true to her, to love,

cherish, and protect her, in sickness and in health, in poverty or in wealth, until death do you part?’

Antonio, his eyes lovingly trained on Rosalin replied slowly. ‘I do.’

Fr. Kane then turned to Rosalin. ‘In Lord’s presence, do you Rosalin take this man Antonio whom

you hold by the hand to be your lawfully wedded husband, and do you covenant to be true to her,

to love, cherish, and protect her, in sickness and in health, in poverty or in wealth, until death do

you part?’

Rosalin looked at Fr. Kane hard. There was a long pause. Fr. Kane looked at her and Antonio

and gave a nervous smile. Her mind wandered back to the night on the beach. She could clearly

see the image in her mind of Antonio shooting the last assailant in the heart and then brutally

kicking him. She closed her eyes for a second and then opened them again. She looked down at

her hand and then slowly turned to Antonio with a smile. She took his hand in hers. ‘I do.’

Fr. Kane looked at them and then turned to look at the congregation behind them. Loudly, he

proclaimed. ‘In the presence of the almighty Lord, your highness Viceroy Fonseca and Lady

Fonseca and the people of Goa, I now pronounce you man and… wife. You may kiss the bride.’

Antonio got up and taking Rosalin in his arms, kissed her hard on the lips. The crowd cheered.

Outside, guns went blazing and drumbeats filled the air. Fr. Kane stared lovingly at the bridal

couple and as Antonio turned her around, his lips still locked with hers, she looked at him over

Antonio’s shoulders and stared at him silently. Fr. Kane embarrassingly turned his eyes away.

He saw the Viceroy as he walked towards him with a smile. He extended his hand to the Viceroy.

‘Congratulations your majesty.’

‘Thank you Padre. Thank you.’

He then turned to Lady Fonseca. ‘Congratulations Lady Fonseca.‘

‘Thank you Padre.’ She responded back with a smile. They then turned to see the bridal couple

walk towards them, their faces beaming with joy.

Outside the church, a large crowd of villagers had gathered to wish the bridal couple. The bridal

couple followed by the royal family exited from the church amidst loud cheers from the crowd.

Music started to play again as the royal family took the palanquins to go back home.

That night at the palace, there was great rejoicing. Fireworks filled the air. Inside the palace hall,

there was a festive atmosphere. The hall was richly decorated. People dressed in their best attire

were seen mingling with each other. Some of them were dancing to the music being played by a

group of musicians in one corner. Antonio and Rosalin too were dancing. The Bishop of Goa, Fr.

Kane, Viceroy Fonseca, Lady Fonseca, Rosalin’s mother Catalina, Tia and Tio Alberto Costa who

happened to be Pascal’s brother and Manuel keenly watched the couple closely. Pascal Costa

was a proud man. ‘Your highness, never seen a better party then this.’

‘Well Pascal, it’s my son’s wedding if you remember.’ The Viceroy smiled at him.

‘How can I forget your highness. My daughter is surely lucky to marry a noble and a brave man

like Antonio.’

On the other side of the hall, Teresa and Isabella were with a group of women. They too were

watching the bridal couple dance. One of them said seem to narrate some joke and everyone of

them broke into laughter. Across the room, Marcos too was watching the couple but indifferently.

Over Antonio’s shoulder, Rosalin saw him. They stared at each other. Sensing something amiss,

Antonio pushed her at arms length and looked in her face. ‘ Hey what’s wrong?’

‘That man over there, you know him?’ She pointed out.

‘Who?’ Antonio asked turning around. He saw Marcos looking at them. Marcos smiled at Antonio.

‘Hey Marcos. What you doing there?’

Taking Rosalin by her arm, Antonio gently led her across the floor towards Marcos. ‘Hlello Marcos,

where had you been since morning?’ He turned to Rosalin. ‘Rosa, I want you to meet Marcos, my

brother-in-law. Marcos this is Rosalin… my wife.’

Antonio started to laugh at his own little joke. Marcos took Rosalin’s hand and bowing low and his

eyes locked with her, gently planted a long kiss on the back of her palm. ‘Enchanted Lady

Rosalin… May I have the pleasure of a dance with someone as beautiful as you?’

Rosalin gives a soft laughter. ‘Sure if his highness doesn’t mind.’

‘Hey not at all. Rosalin, this man is more of a friend than a relative. You two go ahead and enjoy.

I’ll catch up with the guests.’

Antonio left them alone and drifted off towards his family. Rosalin links her arms with Marcos’ and

they walked together to the middle of the dance floor. Marcos took her in his arms and they slowly

danced to the music beat.

Antonio had reached the Viceroy. Seeing the bishop, he took his hand and gently kissed it. ‘Thank

you, your Lordship for gracing this occasion.’

‘Wouldn’t have missed it my son. Congratulations!’

‘Thank you, your Lordship.’

‘Well young man, the party is great but I must take leave now.’

‘But your lordship, the party’s just begun. Surely you can’t leave until you bless the bridal couple.’

The Viceroy pleaded. The bishop gave a short laughter. ‘My blessings are always with them. But

I must leave now. I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow.’

‘As you wish so. Antonio, please walk his Lordship to the door will you?’

Rosalin watched Antonio and Bishop walk to the exit. Marcos saw too and he started to inch

closer to Rosalin. He pulled her closer. She tried to adjust herself.

‘You are beautiful. No wonder Antonio flipped for you.’

‘Thank you. But then you don’t look bad yourself.’ Rosalin turned on her charm.

Marcos eyed her curiously. ‘Aha. Regretting the marriage?’

‘Are you?’ She questioned back.

Marcos pulled her closer firmly. Rosalin squirmed in his grasp. ‘Stop it. You are hurting me.’

‘I have just begun darling. But then I can be nice if you are nice to me too.’

Rosalin pulled herself out of his grasp and took a step backward and glared at him. ‘Obrigado but

next time, don’t try that line on me. There is nothing here that you can offer what Antonio can’t!’

She turned around and walked towards Viceroy Fonseca. As she crossed the dance floor, she

saw Fr. Kane eye her quizzically. On the other side she could see Antonio walk back to the group.

Isabella too saw Antonio and cuts off from her group and walked towards him and accosted him.

‘Hi.’

‘Hi Isabella. You look lovely tonight.’

‘Don’t lie. ‘

‘Really darling, you look absolutely beautiful.’

‘In that case how come I lost the opportunity to marry you?’

Antonio caught hold of her and took her in his arms. ‘Because I love Rosalin.‘

‘What is it in her that made you marry that woman?’

‘Love darling, Love.’

Isabella looked at him admiringly. She then took the opportunity to kiss him on the lips. Rosalin

saw them passionately kiss each other. Fr. Kane too saw them as he walked across to meet

Rosalin. Eyeing them so cozy, she thought aloud. ‘I wonder if I made a mistake…’ As if reading

her thought, Fr. Kane softly said as he neared her. ‘Don’t believe in everything you see. It might

just be an illusion.’

Rosalin looked at him and smiled. She then pointed her thumb over her shoulder across at Antonio

and Isabella. ‘I wasn’t referring to that Padre.’

‘Then…?’ Fr. Kane looked her questioningly. Rosalin just sweetly looked at him, fluttering her

eyelids innocently. Flustered, Fr. Kane quickly averted his eyes away. ‘Senora, please, stop

playing with words.’

Before she could respond, the Viceroy’s voice boomed aloud. ‘Hey folks, time to raise a toast to

the bridal couple.’ Empty glasses quickly get replaced and all the men stand to attention as the

Viceroy raises his glass. ‘To the bridal couple.’ ‘Ole ole…’ The crowd cheer wildly.

Viceroy Fonseca, Lady Fonseca, Antonio, Rosalin, Marcos, Teresa, Isabella, Pascal Costa,

Catalina, Tio Alberto, Tia Alberto, Manuel then sit down around a long rectangular dinning table

facing each other. Fr. Kane sits at the head. The others in the hall too sit down at various tables

as more drinks are served. Antonio murmured something in Rosalin’s ears. She blushed and

nodded her head sideways in protest. Antonio pleaded with her again in a hushed tone. ‘Please

darling…’

‘Is something wrong son?’

Antonio quickly turned around to face his father. ‘No Pai.’

He turned back to Rosalin and pleaded again for something. Viceroy Fonseca looked at the duo

with a concern.

‘Son, what’s the matter?’

‘Pai, I was just requesting Rosa to play some music. She is good at playing the organ.’

‘Really? That’s wonderful daughter. We too would love to hear your music.’

‘But your highness…’ Rosalin protested feebly.

‘Please girl, don’t be shy.’

Her father hushed. ‘Daughter, don’t be rude. Go!’

Rosalin said softly, ‘But Pai, I…‘ She stopped as Fr. Kane’s voice filtered in her ears. ‘Please

Senora.’

She turned to look at him. The others waited in anticipation. She gave him a teasing smile. ‘Please

Senora. You are a woman of many talents. Don’t curb your God-gifted talents and let it go waste.’

Rosalin slowly got up. Everyone in the room turned around to look at her as Viceroy clapped in

encouragement. She walked to the musicians who quickly stepped backwards. She sat down on

the stool in front of the organ and delicately felt it. She looked sideways at the crowd watching her

earnestly. Across, a senior soldier walked up to Viceroy Fonseca and bowing low, whispered

something in his ears. Viceroy’s facial expression changed for a fleeting moment. Rosalin looked

at him. He smiled at her. She looked at Fr. Kane. There was pin drop silence. Rosalin turned to

look at the keys of the organ.

She took a deep breath and slowly started to drum the keys. Soft music filled the air. Everyone’s

mesmerized by the beautiful music that floated around. Rosalin started to hum along with the

music. She lost herself in the tranquility of playing the organ and finally came to a stop in frenzy.

A heavy silence hung in the air as she sat still. Viceroy then started clapping followed by a

thundering applause from the rest of the crowd.

She opened her eyes and with a wide smile looked around to find everyone standing and cheering

her. She then walked down the hall with elegant steps to the table. Marcos turned to Antonio

mischievously. ‘I can understand why you fell for this woman.’

Isabella turned to him. ‘Irmao, Antonio sure made a nice choice.’ Antonio smiled at them and

turned to look at Rosalin again. As she neared the table, Antonio got up and pulled out her chair

and she smiled and nodded her head slightly to indicate 'Thank you' and sat down. Antonio too

followed suit. ‘ Vos sois belos, my rapariga… that was beautiful music I should say.’

‘Thank you dear.‘

Fr. Kane spoke. ‘If I may be permitted to say, Senora Rosalin here is truly gifted and beyond

comparison and you, your excellency is a man beyond words and rightfully deserving this lovely

and talented young woman.’

‘Why, thank you Padre. But I’d say you deserve a better praise than I. For you have devoted your

entire life for service to God and to our fellow human beings from such a tender young age.’

‘Your excellency. My life is God’s gift to me. He has given me this life and he has the command

over it, to do as he pleases.’

‘You are being humble Padre Kane. ‘ Marcos intervened.

Rosalin looked across at Fr. Kane mischievously. ‘Your excellency Marcos is right. Fr Kane too

is an enigmatic figure. He is as charming and as beautiful as the morning sunrise. And as pure

as the dew drops on the dark and cold winter night. If only he would have chosen another

profession, he would have made some poor rapariga…’

‘Shut up Rosa!’ Pascal ordered her quickly with a masked anger. He then turned around bowed

before Viceroy Fonseca and Antonio in forgiveness. ‘I am sorry your excellency…’

He turned back to Rosalin and in a hushed anger tone reprimanded her. ‘Rosa, think twice before

you say anything stupid. Fr Kane here is a man of God!’

There was still a mischievous smile on Rosalin’s face. ‘Yes Pai, that’s what I ment… that he is a

man…’

‘It’s okay, Pascal Costa. I am sure she didn’t mean what she said.’ Fr. Kane intervened. Antonio

smiled and raised his hand to calm Pascal down. ‘Hey peace be upon you homem. A rapariga

bonita e joking… ‘ ‘Aren’t you my dear? He continued as he looked at Rosalin.

Marcos gave a short laughter. ‘You bet Antonio, Lady Rosalin has a way with words. Surely a

woman of many hidden talents.’

Hearing her praise, Antonio broke into loud laughter. Rosalin too started to laugh aloud her eyes

glued on Fr. Kane and soon everyone had joined in. Fr. Kane looked at her somberly as he

muttered softly, ‘I tell you solemly, one of us shall betray God.’

Words filtered across in Rosalin’s ears and she cut short her laughter and stared at him seriously

with just a wee bit of a smile still lingering while the others continued with their laughter and then

suddenly they too stopped as the deep meaning behind the words sank in. They stared at each

other in apprehension.

Teresa tried to break the ice as she nervously said aloud. ‘Hey cheer up. Just enjoy the party.’

The Viceroy boomed to his servant. ‘Hey Saby, bring more wine. Everyone enjoy the party.’

Everyone’s back to normal except for Rosalin and Fr. Kane. They continue to stare at each other

as Marcos eyed them disdainfully. The words kept ringing in Rosalin’s ears. ‘‘I tell you solemnly,

one of us shall betray God.’

* * *

In the wee hours of the morning after the party, Antonio carried Rosalin still in the bridal costume

in his arms and laid her gently on the bed. They started to kiss each other passionately while

undressing each other. Antonio started to make love to Rosalin gently and before long it turned

into a ravage, lovemaking as Antonio went wild in ecstasy. His fingers seem to dig into her flesh

as he made love to her savagely, his eyes closed. His body seem to tear through hers.

From a smiling and happy look, Rosalin’s face soon gave a shocked expression at seeing the

change in Antonio’s behavior. She tried to stop him but he continued with his ravage lovemaking.

All her emotions seemed to disappear as she looked at a stranger making love to her. She found

no pleasure and lied still as Antonio ravaged her body savagely. Tears swelled up in her eyes

and she quickly closed it, not wanting to show Antonio the hurt she felt. Sleep soon overcame

her and she found herself dreaming.

She was on the beach on a clear moonlit night. She saw at a distant a figure was standing with

his arms stretched out as if to welcome someone. His face was obstructed and she couldn’t see

who it was. Across the sands, Rosalin in a bridal costume ran across towards him, her hands too

stretched out. She reached him and fell in his arms and they started to kiss passionately. They

slowly let themselves on the ground and soon started undressing each other while their lips

locked. A sensual lovemaking took place between the too as the stranger made passionate love

to her. The man was gentle in the art and Rosalin found herself wanting more and more. And as

she reached the climax, she saw the man’s face clearly. It was Fr. Kane.

Rosalin quickly opened her eyes in shock to find Antonio fast asleep next to her. She was

breathing heavily, unable to believe what she saw in her dream. Tears swelled up in her eyes and

she dabbed her finger knuckles to wipe them away. As if on notion, the single string of pearls that

she wore around her neck got entangled in her fingers and broke, sending the pearls scattering.

How ironical, she thought. Just like her dreams that was shattering. Maybe I am wrong, she

thought aloud. Life would change for the better.

At his residence, Fr. Kane was sleeping soundly. Suddenly haunting music filtered across to his

ears and he woke up. He listened silently. He then got up and walked to the window and pulled it

open. Sound of wild animals howling reached his ears and with it, the sound of sweet haunting

music filled the emptiness of the dead of the night.

In his bedroom in the palace, Antonio put his hand around to feel Rosalin and finding the bed

empty, he opened his eyes and looked around. Music filtered across to his ears. He got out of the

bed and walked over to the balcony. He could see Rosalin playing a harp. He leaned against the

doorframe and watched her silently. She was naked except for the harp in her hand. She looked

so sensual and so beautiful he thought as he stared lovingly at her taking in her nakedness. Her

eyes were closed and her face bore a tormented look. He was puzzled as he stared at her face.

There was something troubling her.

Antonio walked over and gently wrapped his arms around her waist and brought his naked body

to touch her nakedness from behind, his face resting on her shoulder. She stopped playing.

‘Please continue darling.’ He said as he gently kissed her on the back of her neck. And then on

her back. His hands gently slid across her perfect stomach. She felt no feelings. Her feelings

seemed to have died. She continued to play the music as the first rays of the morning sun filtered

across the sky.

At his residence, Fr. Kane was still staring out of the window listen to the music. The animal sound

had diminished. Only music filtered across. He closed the window and walked to his desk and sat

down. He pulled out his diary and quill. He started to write. ‘…the music filled the night with

serenity. Even the animals seemed to bask in its glory. But for me, it sounded like the warning of

an impending storm…’

Finished, he closed his diary and went back to bed. But he found it difficult to sleep as he tossed

and turned in his bed. The music kept haunting him.

* * *

That night, out in the sea, a merchant ship is on the way to Goa. It was a matter of time before

they touched the land. It is just a short distance from the port. As the ship sailed, a cannon was

fired and the ship caught fire. Everyone ran on the deck. The clouds parted and in the moonlight,

they say the huge pirate ship loom towards them. Before they could defend, another cannon was

fired. It hit the ship on the sides. Within a few moments, the pirates boarded the ship. Within a

short span, all the crew members and the merchants on board are killed gruesomely as the pirates

went around hacking them to death. They then looted the cargo and as they escaped the ship,

they set it on fire.

* * *

The next day at the palace, the royal family were seated at the breakfast table when Rosalin and

Antonio walked in and took her place. Viceroy looked at her mischievously. ‘Hello daughter. Did

you have a good night?’ He asked with a sly smile on his face.

‘Yes Pai.’

‘Well I knew that. After all Antonio’s my son. Wouldn’t have let his first night be spent sleeping.’

Saying this, the Viceroy broke into laughter. The others joined in. Rosalin blushed red with

embarrassment. The Viceroy continued. ‘Daughter, now you are a part of the royal family. So act

like one of us.’

‘Yes Pai.’

‘Now if you will excuse us. Antonio, we need to talk.’ The viceroy got up and walked to his private

study room. Antonio left his plate as it is and followed his father. In the study room, Marcos and

important officials are seated around talking.

As Viceroy Fonseca and Antonio enter, everyone stood to attention. Viceroy Fonseca gestured

at them to sit down. ‘What is the situation?’

One of the officials spoke. ‘Sire, another ship got attacked last night following the earlier one in

the evening.’

‘Anyway to identify those pirates?’

‘No sire. We have a clue that they hide somewhere near the Coelho Isle during the day time.’

Another official broke in. ‘We had sent one of our men in a small boat to check that isle. He is

sure the pirates dock at the isle since he found some signs on human presence over there, though

he is not sure if it’s them.

‘I see.’ Marcos said.

The viceroy turned to Antonio. ‘Son, I want you to take your best men and your best naval fleet to

combat this challenge. Trace the pirates and give them a warning to give up. If they heed, good

else bring them down.’

‘I’ll depute someone Pai.’ Antonio replied.

Viceroy looked at him. ‘No, I want you to lead. You are the best and with your new training, you

will be a surprise for them.’

‘But Pai, I…’

The viceroy paced across the room. ‘I know son. I know. Only you are capable of leading the

naval attack that will leave a lasting impression on the enemy. Now go and make arrangements

to leave.‘

Rosalin was out in the garden when Antonio broke the news to her. She sat still on the rock as

she heard him say that he had to leave soon. A heavy silence followed. Antonio inched closer to

Rosalin. He gently took her face in the palms of his hand. ‘I am sorry darling…’ Rosalin smiles

reassuringly. ‘It’s ok. I understand.’

Early next morning, the cavalcade arrived at the quay and boarded the naval ships. Antonio was

the last one to walk up the gangway. The crowd cheered the soldiers as they climbed aboard the

ships.

In their room, Rosalin stood at the balcony overlooking the sea. In the distant, she could see the

naval fleet on the horizon as it sailed across.

On the ship, a map was laid out on a table. Antonio and a few of his soldiers were pouring over

it. Antonio charted out a route. ‘We take this route. Stick to it. We circle the enemy and force it to

retreat. If not, we bring them down. No actions unless and until I give orders. Got it?’ Everyone

nodded in acceptance. ‘Aye sir!’

For Rosalin in Antonio’s absence, life became a bore in the palace. She decided to visit her family

and with the Viceroy’s permission, she set out. They were still a distant from the village. The

pallbearers carried her in the palanquin across the street. Soldiers followed behind on horseback.

Children followed it curiously. Elders stopped in their track and bow low in honor.

Inside, Rosalin seemed to be enjoying her newfound royal fame. She peeped outside. She saw

Fr. Kane talking to a group of villagers by the roadside. They were standing in humbly with their

hands folded as they patiently listened to Fr. Kane. She was surprised by the charm that man

oozed. She could see they were the pagan worshippers and yet they revered this man.

She yelled out to the pallbearers to stop. The pallbearers stopped and gently lowered the

palanquin. The soldiers stood at to attention. The villagers and Fr. Kane too stopped their

conversation to look in her direction. Rosalin slowly exited from the palanquin and looked at Fr.

Kane with a smile. She walked towards him. The villagers quickly bowed low as they greeted her.

‘Greeting your highness.’

Rosalin raised her hand to stop them. ‘Please call me by my usual name Rosa.’ She turned to Fr.

Kane. ‘Hello Padre.’

‘Hello Senora. I am surprised to see you here.’

‘Well even I didn’t expect to be here. It’s just that without Antonio around, life is a bore in the

palace. So I thought I’ll visit the village.’

‘Yes, I got the news about the pirates. Sorry that Antonio had to leave so soon after marriage.’

‘You don’t have to be sorry Padre. Neither am I.’

Fr. Kane gave her a long look. The villagers start to fidget nervously now that Rosalin was part of

the royal family. Rosalin eyed them innocently, seemingly enjoying their nervousness. ‘Is

everything alright here?’

‘Yes Senora. Everything’s fine.’

Rosalin looked hard at the villagers. They quickly bow their heads in fright. There was a long

pause. She started to feel awkward. ‘Would you walk me to the village Padre?’

Fr. Kane looked at her. She gave him a sweet innocent smile. Fr. Kane silently turned to the

villagers. ‘Meet me at the Church this evening.’

‘Yes Padre.’ The villagers quickly bowed before them and took a couple of steps backward and

then turning around quickly disappeared in the opposite direction. Rosalin looked at their

retreating back and broke into laughter. A faint smile appeared on Fr. Kane’s face as he saw her

laugh innocently. She eyed his smile and stopped, a smile lingering on her face. ‘Don’t curb your

God-gifted talents and let it go waste. Be generous with it. ‘

The smile broadened on Fr. Kane’s face on hearing Rosalin repeat his very words. ‘That’s better.’

She then turned to face the soldiers. ‘You wait here.’ The soldiers hesitated and then seeing there

was no other option, stood their ground as Rosalin and Fr. Kane walked towards the village. ‘The

village is still a long way. You sure you want to do this Senora?

Rosalin looked at him innocently. ‘Is there another option?’ And she burst out laughing. Fr. Kane

smiled again. He softly asked her, ‘Something seems to be bothering you.’

Rosalin stopped in her track and turned to look at him, the smile still lingering. ‘Why do you say

so?’

‘I can see it. You are unhappy about something. Somewhere deep inside you, you have a sense

of insecurity that you are trying to mask with that fake laughter Senora.’

‘You are so sure about yourself?’ She paused. ‘No, I am happy, happy as can be.’

The two started to walk again silently. After some time, Rosalin broke the silence. ‘When I was a

kid, I heard stories about fairies and princes. Of angels and ogres. As I grew up, I started dreaming

of knights in shining armor. Of falling in love and marrying a brave soldier who would love me and

protect me, be with me night and day…’ She slowly trailed off.

They continued to walk again in silence. Soon they reached the village. As they entered it, the

villagers hesitated to approach her. She neared her house. Mrs Costa walked out and ran to her

and embraced her. She then quickly yelled out for her cousin. ‘Marie, quick bring some salt and

green chilies.’

Marie, one of the two cousins came running out of the house with the stuff and handed it to Mrs

Costa. She quickly muttered some mumbo jumbo and with the salt and chilies clenched in her

fist, she brought it down from over her head to her toe and then threw it on the street from over

Rosalin’s shoulder to ward off all evil from Rosalin. Her other cousin had joined Marie and both

stood staring in awe at Rosalin and her beautiful dress. Fr. Kane watched the scene amusedly

while Rosalin stood with embarrassment. She knew Fr. Kane didn’t believe in this mumbo-jumbo.

* * *

That evening in the dimly lit church, the mass ended with the Gregorian chant. As the crowd

walked out, Rosalin continued with her prayers silently, head bowed and eyes closed, kneeling in

the pew.

In the sacristy, a pagan villager stood respectfully with his head bowed. Fr. Kane pulled out some

coins from his pocket and gave it to the villager. ‘Here take this money and see that you take

home some food. Tomorrow I want you to go and meet Dom Manuella at the market. He’ll give

you some work.’ The villager bent down to touch his feet. ‘You are so kind Padre.’

‘It’s ok. Now you go.’ The villager turned and stopped in his track with fear as his eyes fell on

Rosalin standing at the door. Fr. Kane stifled a smile. ‘It’s ok. You go.’

The villager quickly bowed low in front of Rosalin and hurried outside. Rosalin smiled. ‘You should

have seen his face.’

‘Yes, these common people especially the pagans dread the royal family and us too.’

‘I don’t blame them. But then I am happy you are here for them instead of some other priest.’

‘I know.’

There was a subtle silence as Fr. Kane turned around to keep the chalices in its place. Rosalin

watched him silently. Her charioteer walked up.

‘Your highness, the chariot’s ready.’ Fr. Kane turned to look at her. They stared at each other.

She turned around and walked out of the room.

* * *

Dusk was settling. In the middle of the high sea just a few nautical miles from shore, the

Portuguese fleet threw anchor. A slight fog had set in. Antonio was watching the horizon through

the spyglass but it made the vision impossible in the distance. Kishen walked up gingerly in the

foggy atmosphere.

‘Sire, as per the information received, the pirate ship is just around on the other side of the small

island ½ nautical mile away. But till this fog clears, we can’t risk going ahead to check their exact

location.

‘Lower the smaller boat. We’ll go now to verify. I don’t want to wait till eternity for the fog to clear.’

Remembering his beloved Rosalin. He wished he didn’t had to leave her alone so quickly after

marriage. She sounded so unhappy the night before he thought to himself.

‘But Sire, it is too risky.’

‘Bring me the chart.’ Antonio ordered. One of his men quickly ran up with the navigational chart.

Antonio laid it over a table. Another sailor held aloft a lamp as Antonio and a couple of senior men

poured over it. Antonio traced his finger over the map from various points and finally tapped on a

location on the map.

‘Here we are.’ He proclaimed. He pulled out his compass and flicked it open and checked the

needle. He shut it and pulled out his pistols and checked it. Satisfied, he turned to Kishen as he

walked up.

‘Is the boat ready?’

‘Yes Sire.’ He answered.

Kishen then took hold of the lantern and walked across the deck and quickly climbed over the

railings and down the rope ladder. Antonio followed. They lowered themselves in a small boat.

Kishen unhooked the boat and took the oars. The fog was clearing but twilight had already set in.

Antonio guided him across the rough sea. Sometime later they reached a small cove of the island.

By now the fog had cleared and darkness had settled in. They threw anchor and ran on the other

side of the island. A short distance from the island, they could make out the silhouette of the ship.

‘That’s it. It must be the pirate ship.’

Antonio looked skywards. He thought for a while and then turned back from they came from. They

boarded the boat and rowed back to the ship and climbed it. He called his men.

‘I had a look at the pirate ship. Rather than attacking now, we wait for sometime when the tides

are low. I want the other ships to circle around and surround the pirate ship. Stay away far as

possible from the island. The pirate ship would be stuck in due to low tide. And we attack. As we

approach it, no lights absolutely. Get me? I don’t want to alert them and get them to fire at us.’

‘Aye sir!’

Kishen saluted and retreated quickly barking orders to his men.

* * *

At the palace, Marcos walked to the balcony with a glass of wine. He looked over and saw Rosalin

in the garden. He watched her silently. Across the room, Teresa saw him intently watching

someone in the garden. She walked to another window and peeped outside and saw Rosalin in

the garden. She turned back to find Marcos walking out of the room.

Out in the garden, Rosalin was humming to herself, her eyes closed. She sensed someone and

opened her eyes to find Marcos standing next to her and watching her. ‘You look prettier that all

the flowers in this garden.’

‘Tell me something new Marcos.’

‘I can sense you are lonely. It’s a pity Antonio had to leave you alone.’

‘Duty comes first and who says I am lonely. I have so many people around me.’

‘Yes and if you want I’ll come more closer to you, much closer then you ever dreamt of.’

‘Did anyone ever tell you that you are a pig?’

Marcos smiled at her lecherously and walked closer towards her. He leaned across, his face now

inches away from hers. He sniffed her body odor.

‘And you smell absolutely divine. I could bask my entire life in your heavenly smell.’

His son’s voice filtered across. ‘Pai.’

Marcos moved away and turned around to see his son and Isabella walk up. His eyes went up to

his room window. He saw Teresa looking down at him. Putting up a smile, he turned back to

Rosalin. ‘We’ll continue our little conversation some other time. Bye.’

‘Anytime. Bye.’ She looked at the approaching Isabella. Isabella gave her a smile. ‘Hi. It’s lovely

weather isn’t it?’

‘Sure is. ‘ She watched Manuel say something to Marcos and the two then walked away. Rosalin

and Isabella too started to walk towards the palace.

‘You love Antonio don’t you?’

Isabella stopped in her track. She averted her eyes. ‘Does it matter now?’

There was a long pause. ‘That’s a nice pair of earrings you have Isabella.’

They continued to walk in silence.

* * *

It was late morning. Rosalin pushed open the door of the church and entered it. The church was

brightly lit from the sunlight that filtered across from the stained glass windows set high up. Fr.

Kane’s voice filtered across to her ears. She walked in to find a group of 20 odd boys and girls in

their early 10s seated for a bible class in the front pews.

‘…People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples

spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the little

children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.

Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it."

And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.’

Fr. Kane looked across at the children who were listening patiently. ‘Jesus loved you. He gave up

his life so that your sins may be forgiven. You too should love Jesus and be like him. Just like

Jesus obeyed his parents, you should obey your parents too. Just like Jesus forgave others, you

should forgive too. You should never hurt anyone. Love Jesus and love your parents and others.

Now you may leave. But don’t forget to be here again tomorrow at the same time.’

The children got up and picked up their respectively bibles. Rosalin had wandered to the side of

the church and as she moved around was admiring the carvings and frescos in the church.

‘They are Manueline style of painting. It’s an art where you mix natural elements in detail with

your main subject.’

She looked around to find Fr. Kane behind her. She looked over him. The children were all gone.

She looked back at him as he stared at the painting of the Jesus with the cross and Mary

Magdalene wiping the blood on his face with a piece of cloth.

‘You know a lot about art.’

‘If not priesthood, I would have been a painter. But love of God came first. You see those rich

carvings?’ He pointed out high up. ‘That’s Gothic style. Very prominent in Portugal and other

nations around it.’

‘I see.’

Suddenly the door of the church banged open and a villager rushed inside the church and hastily

looked around in fright. He saw them across and ran across towards panting heavily. He quickly

bowed low in reverence at both of them.

‘Yes?’ Fr. Kane goaded him gently.

‘Senora, come to the village quickly.’ He shot out.

‘Why what happened?’ Rosalin looked at him strangely.

‘Kayani’s husband Narayan died and…’

‘Oh my God!’ Rosalin gasped, her hand quickly covering her mouth in pain.

The villager continued. ‘It happened this morning your highness due to some epidemic and now

Kayani’s in-laws are forcing her to follow her the sati tradition.’

‘What? But she is too young to take up sati.’ She said earnestly.

Sati was an age-old tradition of the Hindus whereby the widow immolates herself on her

husband’s pyre thus going directly to heaven. The act was considered very honorable and

virtuous but she was so young to undergo this act, she thought to herself.

Rosalin knew that the pagans didn’t keep the bodies of the dead ones too long in the house. She

quickly ran outside and down the lane. Fr. Kane and the villager ran after her. Tears had started

flowing for her friend. They had been the best of friends since childhood and now…

She reached the village and she ran towards Kayani’s house. Villagers walking by stopped to look

at her curiously. Some nodded their heads knowing where she was headed. Finally she reached

Kayani’s house. A group of villagers were standing and talking to each other in hushed tones

outside the house. There was a grim atmosphere. Seeing Rosalin and Fr. Kane behind her, they

huddled together and whispered something animatedly, their eyes on Fr. Kane. Rosalin paid no

attention as she sped inside the house.

Inside, she found Kayani’s dead husband’s body being readied for cremating. She walked briskly

in the inner room. Kayani was seated on the bed dressed in bridal costume. There was no

expression on her face absolutely.

Rosalin called out to her but there was no reaction. She took Kayani by her shoulder and shook

her. ‘Kayani, my Kayani. Please you don’t have to do this. Please look at me Kayani. Don’t do

this.’ She pleaded tearfully. There was no reply. Rosalin gently lifted her face. ‘Please Kayani,

just say it once and I’ll get my Pai-in-law to stop this. You know this is wrong. I’ll get the Viceroy

to send his soldiers to stop it.’

Kayani’s mother had entered the room. ‘You stay out of this Rosa. This is our religion and our

tradition. You and your family has no right to interfere in our practices.’

‘But Tia, Kayani is so tender and young. You can’t ruin her life.’

‘I am her Mae and I and her in-laws decide what’s right and wrong for her. You and your family

have betrayed us by converting to this foreign religion. Now you have no say in our matters. And

when we kick these foreigners out of our land, you make sure you go with them.’ She yelled.

Rosalin looked back at her in anger. ‘I am not here to listen to your banter.’ She turned back to

Kayani. ‘Please Kayani, please talk to me. Tell me you don’t want to do this. I have the power to

protect you. Just say it once that you don’t want to be a part of this. Please Kayani, please…’

A single line of tears flowed through Kayani’s eyes and down her cheek. She opened her eyes

and lifted her head slightly to look at Rosalin. Rosalin excitedly embraced her. ‘Yes Kayani, yes.’

Kayani spoke softly. Rosa, I’ll do what you say. But what after that? My family will shun me. My

people will shun me. Nobody would want to marry me again. I’ll have no place to go, no one to

turn to, no one to take care of me… no one to…

‘Please Kayani, I am there for you.’

Kayani looked at her for some time and then slowly shook her head sideways that kind of indicated

she didn’t trust her. Rosalin’s heart sank. She slowly crumbled to the ground in gloom. Behind

her, Fr. Kane had entered the room. He gently took her shoulder and helped her up. She turned

her face to look at him. She then looked at Kayani to indicate him to talk to her. He shook his

head in no and led her out as she continued to stare back at Kayani. As he walked out of the

house, he could feel their hostile eyes on him. The pagan villagers were all looking at him with

deep hatred. He led Rosalin to the bench in the courtyard and gently made her sit on it.

Musicians had arrived and Fr. Kane eyed them curiously. A horse was also brought in the

courtyard. A short while later, Kayani was gently led out of the house and made to climb on the

horse. A lime was placed in her right hand. A villager carried an umbrella over her head to protect

her from the sun. There was no tears in Kayani’s eyes. Her face was completely devoid of any

expression. A small crowd had gathered. The musicians started to play the music as they walked

out of the courtyard. Narayan’s body was carried out by four villagers on a wooden stretcher that

was made out of bamboo sticks tied together in the form of a ladder and covered with a white

cloth. They followed the musicians. Kayani was led out on the horse by the horse caretaker behind

her husband’s body. The villagers followed. They started to sings songs of her praise. Rosalin

cried hoarsely as she watched the procession go out of the house. Fr. Kane gently lifted her on

her feet again and they followed the procession. Fr. Kane turned around but couldn’t notice

Rosalin’s family or any other Christians taking part in this funeral procession.

The procession had reached the crematorium. Kayani was gently led down from the horse. A

wooden chair was arranged and she sat down. The villager still shielded her from the sun with

the umbrella. She looked across as the others carried Narayan’s body and laid it on the pyre and

after a short prayer, the body was set fire.

By the time the body burnt to ashes and cooled down, dusk had settled. Kayani got up and slowly

followed the priest to the pyre. Firewood was arranged and she slowly climbed on to of it. She

closed her eyes and prayed. The crowd started chanting her praises loudly and as the chanting

reached its frenzy, the pyre was lit. As the flames engulfed her, Kayani felt no pain as her mind

drifted off in prayer to the goddess.

From afar, Rosalin watched helplessly as the flames from the pyre rose high. She was filled with

deep anguish. Fr. Kane found himself holding her arms to steady her as he watched her tear filled

face. The flame leapt up engulfing Kayani as Rosalin cried in despair.

* * *

On the high sea the high tides were in full flow preventing Antonio and his troops from attacking

the pirate ship, a huge galleon with a big beautifully carved figure of a dragon at its bow. It’s huge

black sail loomed high above. Antonio was aware that attacking the pirate ship during daytime

would not have been feasible since they would be visible to the enemy and easily become a hot

target for them. Through the spyglass, he had seen that the ship was heavily armed with cannons.

He had to wait for complete darkness. He had ordered his men to stay put.

Now as the night took over, it brought in low tide and the Portuguese naval fleet stealthily circled

the enemy ship. Antonio aimed his cannon and fired the first round. It hit the ship and a fire blazed

out. Chaos spread on the ship. Through the spyglass, he could make out the pirates running

helter-skelter and gearing for attack in the dark. On cue, the other Portuguese ships surround the

pirate ship from the other side and attacked it. Antonio ordered his men to lower a smaller boat.

He then jumped in it. Five of his able men followed him. They rowed towards the pirate ship as

his men continued firing at it from the opposite side and thus engaging the pirates in a fight. All

the pirates’ attention were distracted on the other side. Antonio and his men reached the ship.

There was a huge gaping hole in the side where the cannon had hit. He and his men quickly

boarded the ship. The pirates were quick to sense them. They charged at him and his men. He

took out his sword. A fierce battle took place but within a short span, all the pirates were killed.

Antonio’s men raised a might roar of victory.

* * *

In his private study, the Viceroy paced as the floor as Fr. Kane and Marcos watched him silently,

their faces grim. ‘This is terrible. These pagans have so many blind beliefs. A young woman being

sent to her death so mercilessly. Marcos, I want everyone involved in this act arrested. I want

their properties confiscated and attached to the Church. I won’t tolerate this kind of acts over

here.’

‘Yes your highness.’

That very day, Marcos arrived at the village with the soldiers and started pulling all the pagans

out of their houses and had them arrested. Chaos spread. Soon all of the pagans were lined up

in a queue.

One of the soldiers came forward to face them. ‘On the order of his highness, Viceroy Fonseca,

it is proclaimed herewith that all the property of those arrested today is hereby attached to the

Church.‘

The women and kids watch helplessly as the pagans along with their belongings were carted

away. They pleaded and cried but to no avail as the soldiers mercilessly kicked and pushed them

away.

* * *

At the quay, a large crowd had gathered to welcome Antonio as his ships threw anchor. As

Antonio and his men walked down the planks, they were greeted jubilantly. There was euphoria

all around as the merchants and others cheered the victorious soldiers. One of the senior

merchants walked up to Antonio.

‘Sire, we are extremely grateful to you for relieving us of this pirate menace. Over the weeks, we

have faced terrible loss of life and property. You have saved us. You are our hero.’

‘It’s nothing Senor, this is my duty.’

The merchant raised his fist high in the air. ‘Long live Captain Antonio!’ The air reverberated with

the crowd’s voice as they repeated the words

* * *

Unknown of Antonio’s arrival, Rosalin sat before the statue of ‘Pieta’ in the church. Tears loomed

in her eyes. Fr. Kane watched her silently. He walked over and sat down next to her. She didn’t

acknowledge his presence as she continued to stare at the statue tearfully. Fr. Kane gently placed

his hand on her shoulder. ‘Don’t cry Senora. It’s God’s will. You and I have no say in his plans.’

‘But this can’t be God’s plan. This is no way to die for a person her age. It was no fault of hers

that her husband died before her.’

‘Sometimes when we go against God’s wishes, he punishes us by hurting us through someone

else.’

‘But I believed God is compassionate. So why does he punish?’

‘It’s his way of saying that he cares for us and that we should follow the righteous path. Even his

Son had to suffer for us.’

Rosalin slowly turned to look at him. ‘During the party at the palace, why did you utter that line?’

‘Senora, lets forget that…’

‘No. I had meant to ask you earlier. I guess its appropriate now.’ She said softly.

‘Senora, you are a nice person. You have a clean heart and you care for others. Don’t let this

power spoil you. Use it for the good of others… please.’

‘Why Padre?’ She looked at him earnestly. A single tear flowed down her cheek as she looked at

him. Fr. Kane lifted his hand and with his finger gently brought it down near her chin as the tear

rolled off her face and on his finger.

‘Sometimes the heart works on its own and doesn’t need the brain to guide it. I guess that moment

it was my heart that spoke aloud.’

‘But why Padre?’

‘I…’ Before Fr. Kane could finish what he wanted to say, Antonio’s voice boomed loudly. ‘Rosa.!’

Rosalin and Fr. Kane looked around to find Antonio inside the church and walking towards them

briskly, a big smile on his face and his arms outstretched to welcome her. Rosalin got up and let

him take her in his arms in an embrace. There was no reaction on her face as she stared at Fr.

Kane from over Antonio’s shoulder.

Antonio then gently led Rosalin out, his arms wrapped around her. Sensing something amiss, he

stopped and turned around to face her. Fr. Kane watched from the entrance. Antonio asked her.

‘Is something wrong Rosa?’

‘Rosalin looked at him and then over at Fr. Kane.’ She remembered his words that he spoke

earlier in the church. ‘Don’t let this power spoil you. Use it for the good of others… please.’

She turned to Antonio. ‘Antonio…’

‘Yes Rosa.’

‘I am feeling bad about all those villagers arrested for Kayani’s death. Is there anyway we can let

them go?’

‘You mean your friend Kayani?’

‘Yes Antonio.’

‘Darling, if it’ll make you happy, consider it done. ‘

‘Thanks Antonio. There is one more thing.’ She paused. ‘Is there anyway we can put a stop to

this ‘Sati’ act? I don’t want another Kayani to die such a horrible death.’

‘Anything to keep you happy Rosa. I’ll speak to father about this.’

Tears flowed down her cheeks. Antonio then took her in his arms in an embrace. From the church

entrance, Fr. Kane watched them silently, a subtle smile on his face.

* * *

The quay was a busy and chaotic place that day. Sailors and coolies loaded and unloaded huge

chests from the docked ships. Pascal Costa arrived on a carriage. 2 slaves quickly unloaded a

big chest and a smaller chest from the carriage on the ground. A captain from one of the ships

alighted and walked towards him. Pascal Costa greeted him. ‘Hi Captain. How’s it going?’

‘Great. Lovely weather. We set sail tomorrow early morning. 3-4 months and we should touch

Japan.’

‘Good. Men take these chests to the Captain’s room aboard and don’t leave it out of your sight. ‘

‘Yes sir.’ The slaves quickly carried the chests to a ship.

'Business seems to be blooming since your daughter married Antonio. You must have surely

made lot of wealth these last few months.’

Pascal Costa winked at him. ‘Yeah the marriage in a way was a good bargain no doubt. Come

lets grab a drink.’

The two walked down the street in deep hushed conversation. They neared the market place.

Across the street at the jewelry shop, Pascal Costa’s eyes fell on the palatial chariot. He looked

oddly at it and as he passed it, he saw Rosalin turn around with some jewelry. She too saw him

and a smile spread on her face. She ran up to him and embraced him.

‘Pai. How nice to see you.’

‘Hey rapariga, you too.’ Pascal Costa held her at arms length. ‘You seem to have put on weight.

I see Antonio must be keeping you pretty happy.’ He said with a mischievous smile.

‘Oh Pai, stop it!’ She replied, her face turning red in embarrassment. She then quickly looked at

the captain who seemed to enjoy the scene. Pascal Costa turned around.

‘Captain, I want you to meet my daughter, Rosalin.’ He said with pride. ‘She is married to Captain

Antonio of the royal family. Daughter, he is Gabriela, Captain of my trading ship, my friend and

my mentor’

‘Oh please Pascal.’ The captain said with a wave of his hand. He took Rosalin’s hand and gently

kissed it. ‘Glad to meet you Senora.’

Rosalin smiled at him. Somehow she felt as if she knew the man. Something seemed to attract

her towards him.

‘I feel as if I know you.’

‘No Senora. We haven’t met before this.’ The captain said with discomfort. He tried to look away.

‘Oh. Anyway, I must get going. Pai, do come to meet me at the palace.’ She turned around and

entered the chariot. She gave one last look at the Captain. His smile seemed so familiar.

The chariot sped down the street. The captain looked at it. He had a queer look on his face as if

he was pondering something. His thoughts went back to those days when he was just a sailor on

a trading ship and he had befriended Pascal Costa on one of his trips.

And one day, Pascal Costa had brought his newly married wife with him from Bombaim to Goa.

They were traveling on the ship he was working on. Late in the night, she had wandered out alone

in the night on the deck while the others were sleeping. Her husband too lay sleeping in his bunk

without pleasuring her. She had wanted it so badly. Being in the middle of the high sea for a long

time without a break and no women, the captain too had desperately wanted to relieve himself.

One thing led to another and they met each on the deck. It was a dream come true and he had

fucked her till the wee hours of the morning. Nobody was privy to the happenings and he had

vowed to stay clear from Pascal Costa’s house after that all these years and today, she had turned

up in front of him. He was absolutely sure that she was his daughter and how beautiful she had

grown up into. She resembled him no doubt and luckily Pascal Costa didn’t notice it but then why

would Pascal Costa doubt him. He had met his wife only once and that too behind his back.

Smiling to himself, he turned around and thumped Pascal’s back triumphantly. He would use this

piece of news someday if the need arise for his benefit.

The two then walked down the street and came to a roadside bar. Inside, the bar was scarcely

filled. A local girl walked over and served them and left them alone. She went behind the counter

and watched the two, especially Pascal Costa.

The captain continued. ‘It is a good thing that your Son-in-law sent the pirates running for cover.’

‘Yes. Business sure was affected but since the last couple of months the pirates were defeated,

I have managed to cover up the losses.’

‘Losses? Tio, you are a part of the royal family. I am sure you must be utilizing this link for profit

making?’

‘You bet Captain, you bet!’ And the two broke into laughter. The girl watched them pensively.

Pascal Costa looked at her for a split second.

Two drinks later, the captain excused himself to go back to the ship. Pascal Costa finished his

drink. He saw the girl go through a door in the inside room. he slowly made his way and entered

the room following her. He closed the door behind him. The girl was seated on the bed. She eyed

him seductively. Soon they were making love.

As he lay on top and made love to her, her expression changed and she pushed him hard to make

him stop. Pascal Costa looked at her in surprise. ‘What happened?’

‘I am tired of all this. I want more. Can’t you take me away from here?’

‘I wish I could but…’

‘Please you have so much wealth. Maybe we could settle down somewhere else.’

‘I wish I could do that rapariga but you forget I have my wife and kids. Plus I give you everything

over here, so why go there?’

Pascal Costa then tried to kiss her but she stopped him.

‘I need more than that. I need your love too and your name.’

‘Please rapariga.’

‘No, I have decided. It’s now or never.’

Pascal Costa looked at her hard with a sullen face

* * *

Rosalin walked naked out of the bathroom drying her hair with the towel. She looked at the

reflection of her body in the mirror. She smiled to herself. She looked good. She then dressed up

and giving herself a final look in the mirror, she walked out of the room towards the staircase. Just

as she was about to step down on the first step, she heard low hushed tones coming from a room

down the corridor. She walked near it and peeped through the half open door. Inside Antonio was

standing with his back to the door. Isabella had her arms around him and hugging him closely.

She heard her say. ‘I tell you darling I crave for you night and day. You know I love you. That girl

is not right for you.’

‘Please Isa, isn’t it enough that I spend some intimate moments with you?’ Antonio declared.

‘No darling. I don’t want few moments here and there. I want your whole life time.’

‘That’s not possi…’

Antonio stopped mid-way on seeing Rosalin at the door. Isabella too saw her and quickly distant

herself from Antonio. Rosalin looked at them both and then walked away. Antonio quickly followed

her to their room. He saw her walk to the balcony. She stood still staring out at the sea. Antonio

followed her. ‘Please Rosa, I am sorry.’ A big silence followed.

‘I said I am sorry, its not what you think it is.’ Antonio pleaded.

‘You don’t have to be sorry.’

‘Jesus. Why are you doing this? Antonio whined. ‘I am telling you there is nothing serious between

us.’

‘Am I asking you for any clarification? She looked at him without any remorse. ‘I don’t even mind

what you were doing.’

‘Oh God. Why Rosalin why?’ There was an aggrieved look on his face.

Silently Rosalin turned to look at him. She kept silent and then walked out of the room. Antonio

slumped on the bed in frustration.

* * *

There was a grim atmosphere in the village. Rosalin was in parents’ house. She stood silently

starting out of the window overlooking the small river. This river where she spent most of her time

with her friends, swimming and lazing in the flowing water. Her mother walked up and gently

placed her arm around her should in warm assurance. Rosalin found this strange. Her mother

never appeared so pleasant. She looked at her. There was tenderness in her mother’s eyes. Her

mother didn’t have to be told that her daughter was in pain. She felt sorry for her darling Rosa.

Her mother realized that her daughter had changed since her marriage to Antonio and with the

death of her good friend Kayani, things had got worse. Her young and ever mischievous daughter

had now matured into a sober woman.

Her father sat at the table silently. Her cousins too sat huddled on the floor in the corner of the

room. They too could feel the unknown pain their cousin was undergoing.

Rosalin continued to stare at her mother. Her ever nagging mother was too silent today. It was

as if she sensed her mood. She could see her mother’s eyes were moist and it disturbed her. She

didn’t want to spoil her family’s mood. She smiled at her mother and hugged her gently as if

assuring her that things are alright. They gently held on to each other and then the tears flowed

slowly as they sobbed with a heavy heart.

A sudden commotion outside broke the trance. They looked towards the door as her father rushed

towards it. Outside they could see that a horde of villagers had gathered outside in the courtyard.

The villager elder folded his hand in salutation as he climbed the steps to meet her father at the

door.

‘Pascal, I and all the villagers have come to offer our thanks. We sincerely appreciate the fact that

our daughter Rosa was instrumental in getting our people released.’ The village elder looked at

the small crowd and then peeped in the house to look at Rosalin, his face beaming a big smile.

Pascal looked around slowly. He nodded his head. ‘Rosa is the daughter of this village. You are

all her family. She did what was right.’

Rosalin had walked up behind him and as she stepped aside, the crowd saw her. Before long,

chants of ‘Hail Rosa, long live Rosa’ filled the air.

Her mother and cousins too had walked up. They all stared out at the crowd as the family wrapped

their arms around each other in support of Rosalin. They were happy for her. She had done

something good for the villagers and it felt nice to be appreciated.

Her mother looked at her daughter’s face. There was no expression whatsoever on Rosalin’s face

as she stared solemnly at the rejoicing crowd.

* * *

That evening, a dejected Rosalin pushed the church door open and walked in. She looked around

in the dark and empty church. At the other end, she saw two men cleaning the church. One of

them seem to light the lamps on the pillars. They discreetly bowed on seeing her. Rosalin moved

around. She neared the alter. She knelt down, folded her hands, closed her eyes and prayed.

Tears moved down. She heard footsteps. She opened her eyes and quickly wiped her tears away.

She looked around and found no one. She heard the sound of organ and looked up at the loft and

found the men cleaning the organ. She walked to the staircase and slowly started to climb it. She

neared the organ. Lovingly she felt it. The men fell back. She looked at one of them. He quickly

got behind the organ. She sat down and started to play the organ. Sweet music filled the air. Low

footstep sounded on the foyer. The other man came out of the trance and found Fr. Kane standing

at the entrance. He quickly retreated. Fr. Kane walked closer and listened to the music. Even he

was mesmerized by it. Something seemed to possess Rosalin and she started to play at a frenzied

pace. Wild and wild like a woman possessed, she drummed the keys. Suddenly Fr. Kane brought

his hand down on the keys and Rosalin stopped playing. She closed her eyes and laid her head

down on the hand that was still on the keys. Her breathing came faster. The man behind the

organ bowed low and quickly left them alone. ‘This is the house of the Lord, Senora.’

‘Yes… the house of the Lord.’

‘You are in pain.’

‘Pain? ‘

Rosalin opened her eyes and slowly raised her head to look at him. Fr. Kane pulled his hand

away. She looked at him lovingly. His calm and serene face seemed to ease her worries.

‘I don’t feel the pain any more. Now that I behold happiness in front of me, I don’t feel the pain.’

‘It’s getting dark outside. Please may I ask you to leave, Senora.’

Rosalin continued to look at him lovingly. She slowly scanned his face. She took in the delicate

features of his face. She then extended her hand to feel his face. Fr. Kane took a step backward

to avoid it.

‘Please leave Senora…’

‘Please I want to touch my Lord.’

‘You are forgetting that I am a man of the Lord.’

‘To me, you are my Lord, my soul, my master.’

‘Please Senora, please leave before you cause any blasphemy and calamity befalls.’

‘I am not afraid to face any adversity for what I believe in.’

‘You believe in wrong and unforgivable Senora. You are a nice woman. With this, you will only

bring mayhem and destruction in your life.’

‘I don’t care. I believe in my Lord. I believe in you… I … I love you Padre… I love you…’

‘Shut up rapariga. Fear the Lord.’ Fr. Kane cringed at her words.

‘Ever since I grew of age I had men lusting for me and here I am longing for you. All my life, I

hungered for true love and when I finally found you, you are telling me to fear the Lord.’

‘Yes that’s what I am saying. I am a priest who’s devoted his life to God and you are a woman

who’s married to one of the most powerful man in this place.’

Rosalin smiled at him. ‘So you don’t deny that my feelings are true.’

‘No! Your feelings are worthless. You don’t know what love is. If you would have, you wouldn’t

have sinned against Antonio and God who’s been a witness to your holy matrimony.’

‘I was a fool Padre. I got carried away by all the glitter and charm the marriage offered.’

‘But now it’s too late. He is your husband and future. You have to be true to him and only him.’

‘No Padre. I don’t love him. I am not happy with him. It’s you I love and loved since the day I saw

you.’

‘Please Rosalin, I beg you to leave before calamity befalls.’ Fr. Kane pleaded earnestly.

Rosalin looked at him tearfully. ‘Please Padre, I love you…’

‘You are crazy and…’

Suddenly a sound of the door slamming shut reached their ears. Fr. Kane anxiously looked over

the balcony and found the church empty and dark. Lightening flashed across outside and

illuminates the church through the stained glasses and for a brief second, their faces are

illuminated. There was a pleading look on Fr. Kane’s face while Rosalin looked lovingly at him.

And Fr. Kane’s words on the wedding day echoed in their ears. ‘And I tell you solemnly, one of

us shall betray God!’

* * *

The chariot stopped outside the gates of the palace and Rosalin exited. She looked hard at Fr.

Kane who was driving it. She then turned around and walked inside the gate. From his room

window, Antonio saw her enter the palace ground. Across the courtyard, he also saw two masked

figures make their way secretly inside. Antonio quickly and silently moved through the aisle and

down the staircase. Just as Rosalin came around the corner, he clamped a hand on her mouth

and pulls her in the dark. ‘Shhh.’ She looked at him frightfully. Antonio pointed out slowly to the

two figures as they made their way across secretly inside the palace. A guard was caught unaware

as they kill him. They neared Antonio. Suddenly Antonio shot his leg out tripping one of them. A

fight incurred and Antonio killed the two intruders as more guards came running around. Antonio

pulled off their masks. One of them was Rosalin’s Uncle Alberto. Rosalin was shocked. Kishen

ran up. He quickly summoned orders to the guard to scan the ground for more intruders. He then

looked hard at the dead bodies. Rosalin still found it hard to believe that it was her uncle. ‘Oh my

God.’

‘You know this man?’ Antonio asked her.

‘Yes. He’s Tio Pedro. He was there for our wedding reception. Oh God, why did you have to kill

him?’

‘Because he was out to kill one of us, remember?’ Antonio told her sarcastically.

‘You could be wrong.’

‘Well for one thing, he was not out for a stroll at this god-forsaken hour for sure.’

Rosalin looked at him in anger and then ran up the stairs. Hearing the commotion, other family

members had started coming out.

* * *

In his bedroom, Fr. Kane had trouble sleeping. He tossed and turns in his bed as if tormented by

a horrible dream.

It was night and the wind was howling mad. And out of the blue, along with the howling, a soft

humming filled the air and as the voice took a high pitch, the howling slowly diminished as if in

defeat just as the newly rising sun filtered across the plateau. And a rose swayed gently to the

morning breeze.

In his sleep, Fr. Kane slowly murmured. ‘Roza…’ Fr. Kane quickly opened his eyes with a jerk.

His body was covered in sweat and his breath comes faster as he realized what he just said in

his sleep. He got up and walked to the window. There was thunder and lightening happening

outside. He shut the window and slowly paced the room. He then walked out of the room.

He entered the church and walked over to the ‘Pieta’. He knelt in front of it. His face appeared

tormented. He closed his eyes for a few seconds. Slowly he opened them again and tearfully

looked up at the statue. He found it difficult to look at Jesus’ face. Suddenly he heard someone

discreetly opening the Church door. His concentration was broken and he looked around. He saw

Pascal Costa who quickly entered and closed the door behind him. He walked over to the alter

and knelt down and quickly murmured a prayer. He sensed someone and quickly looked around

to find Fr. Kane. ‘What happened? What are you doing here so early morning, Senor Pascal??’

‘Padre, I have come to ask God for forgiveness.’

‘Forgiveness? I don’t get you.’

‘Padre, I am leaving this town for good and…’

‘Wait a second. What do you mean leaving this town for good?’

Pascal Costa hesitated. ‘Padre, I am traveling away for good. I am leaving everyone and

everything behind.’

‘Pascal Costa, that is absolutely wrong. You have a family to take care of. What about them?’

‘They have Rosalin to take care of them.’

‘I don’t understand Tia. Why are you doing this? Do you realise that at this age, its your family

who’s going to take care of you.‘

‘No Padre, I have someone else to take care of me. I need to go Padre. Please pray for me and

Padre…’

‘Yes?’

‘Padre… please tell my family that I love them and will miss them.’

Tearfully Pascal Costa shook hands with Fr. Kane and turning around hurriedly walked over to

the door and disappeared outside in the darkness.

Dawn was about to break when Pascal Costa reached the quay. He quickly boarded his ship and

soon the ship sets sail. Pascal Costa gave one last look at the fast disappearing shoreline. There

was a remorse look on his face. The girl from the bar was at his side as she held on to his arm.

She leaned back a little to watch the captain as he approached them. They exchanged coy and

secretive glances with each other. The girl then took Pascal Costa’s face in her palms and gently

kissed him softly on his lips. Smile broke on his Pascal Costa’s face as he temporarily forgot his

sorrows.

Rosalin stood at the balcony and stared broodingly at the vast sea. Antonio walked up. ‘You still

haven’t told me where you had been last evening.’

‘Is it important enough for you to know that?’

‘Shut up. Do you realise that you could have got killed.‘ Antonio yelled at her.

‘Killed? By my own uncle? You are mistaken.’

‘Your uncle was a member of the rebels. I am going to make life miserable for everyone of his

clans. Once again I am asking you, who had you been visiting? Your good-for-nothing family? ‘

‘No! I was at the Church.’

‘Church? Ahhhh. Then let me tell you something. While you were praying to your Lord, your good-

for-nothing Pai had some other plans lined up. And you will be pleased to know that this morning

he set sail never to return back and yes, that’s not all. He’s taken his mistress with him, a girl your

age.’

‘I don’t believe you.’

‘You’d better!’ Antonio stomped his feet and angrily walked out of the room.

In his private study, Viceroy Fonseca was impatiently walking up and down. Marcos and other

others patiently waited for him to say something. Marcos was impatient and cursed under his

breath for the time wastage. Viceroy paused in his track. ’I want stern actions taken against the

guards who were at the gate last night. Marcos, take your men and scout all the villages. Do a

search in their homes for weapons. I want all the rebels arrested!’

‘Yes your highness.’

Antonio walked in the room in time to hear the order. ‘I’ll go with you Marcos. I want to make sure

whoever’s behind this is dealt with severely!’ He offered. Marcos nodded in agreement.

Soldiers rushed to the villages and started evicting people. Houses are searched and people killed

or arrested on suspicion. Antonio and Marcos supervised it. Antonio gave the orders loudly. ‘I

want all houses search for weapons of any kind and who’s found with anything, I want them

arrested and taken to the prison. And if any one tries to resist, shoot him down. You get me? Now

go. Marcos you see that no one escapes. I am going back.’ Antonio raced away on his horse.

Marcos supervised as the soldiers went about searching houses in brutal manner. Across the

village, Marcos laid his eyes on Rosalin’s house. He indicated it one of the soldiers. ‘Hey, check

that house too.’

‘Sire, that is Lady Rosalin’s house.’ The soldier pointed out.

‘I don’t care.’ Marcos yelled at him. ‘Now check it out and if anyone tries to intervene, kill them!’

The soldier hesitantly replied, ‘Yes Sire.’ He and another then entered Rosalin’s house. Rosalin’s

mother came out running hysterically and seeing Marcos, ran up to him.

‘Stop it your highness, stop it. I am Antonio’s Mother-in-law. Please leave us alone. We are

innocent.’

With deep sarcasm Marcos looked at her. ‘Oh yes.’ The next second, Marcos pierced his sword

in her body brutally and pulled it out. She fell down, bleeding profously. He signaled another

soldier who ran up with a flaming torch. Marcos took the torch from his hand and flung in on

Rosalin’s house. The house caught fire. There was crying and wailing from inside the house as it

went up in flames. Marcos turned to the soldier.

‘One word of this and I’ll kill you. You understand?’

‘Yes Sire.’ The soldier answered in fear.

* * *

Unaware of the tragedy that befell on his family, Pascal Costa slept peacefully on the ship.

Suddenly he smelt smoke. He quickly got up and walked out of his cabin to find the ship up in

flames. He ran back in his room to find his precious chests missing. Back on the deck, lots of

dead bodies were strewn around, murdered. He raced to the railings and through the smoke, he

saw the Captain and the girl in another boat making their escape with his chests. He hurried back

and got some gunpowder sticks. He lit them and hurled at their boat. Without seconds, the

gunpowder sticks blew up and the Captain’s boat went down like a rock. Pascal Costa wept hard.

He had betrayed his family and God punished him for it. He looked around desperately calling out

for Rosalin, his wife… Marie and Teresa as if some demons had possessed him. He was all alone.

They were all at home. They would never know that he had died a horrible death. And as the ship

started sinking slowly, he looked up heavenwards and called out aloud, ‘Father forgive me for I

have sinned.’

* * *

Rosalin was seated on the garden rock, crying hoarsely. News of the terrible tragedy that befell

her family had reached her ears. She couldn’t believe it what she heard. Her mother and her

cousins were not involved with the rebels. They were her family, innocent and yet they were killed.

She knew Marcos and Antonio were directly or indirectly responsible for their death. Yet Marcos

had given a different story. He had reported that a couple of rebels while trying to escape had

killed Rosalin’s mother and set fire to their house in retaliation since Rosalin was a part of the

royal family. Rosalin didn’t believe a word of it but she had no choice and as she cried bitterly,

she cursed the day she married in this royal family. She had been a fool.

Isabella saw her and slowly walked up. She down next to her on the rock and put her arms around

her. No words were spoken as she gently rocked with Rosalin in her arms. She shared in her

pain. For some reason, she felt close to Rosalin. Maybe the fact that both of them loved the same

man. She had no qualms that Antonio favored Rosalin over her. It was destiny. But was it destiny

that her family should die so cruelly?

Isabella had a doubt that Marcos did have a role to play. But how could she accuse her brother?

She put aside all her thoughts and gently consoled her. She let her silence do all the talking. They

had the funeral of her mother to attend to or rather Rosalin had. The Viceroy had warned the

members of the royal family from venturing out for the funeral. The fact that Rosalin’s Tia was a

part of the rebel group had gone against her. Isabella knew she couldn’t defy the Viceroy’s order.

But she had to see that Rosalin attended her mother’s funeral. She had to safely board her on a

chariot.

There were just a handful of villagers as they carried her mother to the burial ground. There was

a tensed atmosphere even with just a few of them as they walked in through the gate. Rosalin

stood inside the burial ground, sobbing silently. Fr. Kane led the small procession to the burial pit.

He himself had dug the pit in the morning as soon as of the villagers had informed him. With just

one Christian casualty among a whole lot of other pagans, he had a nasty feel about some dirty

politics. He thought of the two kids who had charred so badly that their body was not to be found

in the burnt down house. His eyes fell on Rosalin sobbing silently, all alone and terrible pain filled

his heart. His heart grieved for her in her time of despair. The coffin was gently laid down next to

the pit.

Rosalin took a step towards it and watched her mother’s face. Tears loomed in her eyes and she

cried bitterly. Memories of her mother flooded her mind as he recalled scenes after scenes of

hers. She had saddened her mother by marrying Antonio. If only her mother was alive, she would

gladly give up the marriage to live with her again. Fr. Kane signaled to the villagers who closed

the coffin and raising it, gently lowered the coffin in the pit. Fr. Kane said the final prayers and

then scooping up a handful of mud, splashed it on the coffin. The others followed suit. Fr. Kane

walked over to Rosalin. He gently held her hand and made her scoop up a handful of mud. He

then made her drop in the pit. And she did so, she gave a loud wail and burying her face in his

chest cried bitterly. The villagers looked at each other unsure what to do next. One by one they

quietly walked of the burial ground leaving just the two of them.

It was a long time before her tears stopped. Regaining composure, she realized she was in his

arms and she quietly disengaged herself. Fr. Kane picked up a shovel and got around filling up

the pit. He then pushed a makeshift cross at the head of the grave. He said a short prayer and

giving the grave one last look, took Rosalin’s arm and gently led her out of the graveyard. She

stopped to take one last look at her mother’s grave and then walked out.

She rather than taking the chariot, decided to walk. It was a long walk back to the palace but to

his surprise, Fr. Kane found her leading both of them to the village. Fr. Kane gently tried to

dissuade her but she continued with determined steps towards the village. They entered the

village or what was left of it. Death loomed large on the village and there was an atmosphere of

despair all around. She slowly walked through the village. She could some of the houses scorched

to the ground. Women and children were to be seen huddled together tearfully. Some were still

wailing over their lost ones. But as they saw Rosalin and Fr. Kane walk through the village, their

faces turned from grief to anger. They gave Rosalin a mean look as if to say that she was

responsible for all their sorrows and grief. They had no remorse for the fact that even she had

lost her family. As they reached her house, a sense of premonition filled her. She was afraid to

step through the courtyard gate and she regretted the minute she took a step inside. Her house

was burnt to the ground. There was nothing left of it, just a big pile of smoldering ashes. Tearfully

she climbed the steps and looked around. There was helplessness all over her face as she

gingerly walked around. What was supposed to be her room was just a pile of rubbish now. And

she came to her cousins’ room or what was left off it and in the rubble, she saw what looked like

a clay doll. She gently picked it up. It was still warm and blew the dust away. It was Marie’s doll.

She gave a loud cry of anguish. Fr. Kane rushed to support her as her body shook with spasms.

My babies, she cried as she wept and wept.

* * *

A meeting convened at the Bishop’s house. The Bishop, Viceroy Fonseca, Fr. Kane, Marcos and

the others were all seated. There was a grim atmosphere. A long silence followed as they

nervously shifted gaze from one person to another.

The Viceroy spoke out slowly. ‘There is no way we can turn back time. What do you suggest, your

Lordship?’

The Bishop looked at him hard. ‘It’s bad what happened. I am sure the King won’t like the way

the situation took a turn. Lots of innocent people lost their lives. There is bound to be a reprisal

from the pagans and before that happens, it would be a good idea to reinforce the palace and

have a purification ceremony.’ He turned towards Fr. Kane. ‘Padre, 3 weeks from now, the period

of penance begins. I want you to stage ‘Santos Passos’. It should begin from the town and end in

the Church courtyard. Please make arrangements. Display posters, make announcements in

market places; I want as big a crowd as possible and on an extravagant scale. Leave no stone

unturned to host it.’

* * *

In the night, Rosalin cried in her sleep. She dreamt of her parents, her cousins and it hurt her to

know they were no more. Antonio tried to pacify her as he held her close. She felt his arms holding

her in her sleep and she opened her eyes to look at him. Antonio gently kissed her on the cheeks.

‘Rosa, we were so gentle with each other and now our lives are just drifting apart. Please lets

start afresh, just the two of us. We’ll go to Lisbon and settle down there. Away from everyone and

everything. Please Rosa…’

‘How can you even think about starting afresh when my family’s death is on your head? You

expect me to forget their death so soon?’

‘Please, I am sorry. I never gave that order Rosalin. Believe me. I wouldn’t do such a thing with

you.‘

‘I don’t believe you. Please go away and leave me in peace.’ She told him pushing him away

tearfully.

‘Please Rosa…’ Antonio pleaded.

Rosalin turned around and ignored him. Silently, Antonio walked out of the room.

The next day in the church, Fr. Kane was gently cleaning the benches in the church. The door

opened and Antonio walked in haltingly. He looked around the church as if he was seeing it for

the first time. There was something about it that seemed to soften him. Fr. Kane walked over to

him. Antonio looked at him with a wry smile. ‘Now I know why she spends so much time over

here. This place is so serene. I don’t believe its been just 6 months since I united with Rosa in the

holy matrimony in this very Church.’ Antonio slowly walked around looking over the church. His

eyes fell on the Pieta. He stared somberly at it. Fr. Kane slowly walked over. ‘Your highness, is

something wrong?’

Antonio kept staring at the Pieta. He heaved a big sigh. ‘It’s Rosa. I don’t know where our

relationship is taking us. I and Rosalin are going through such a turbulent time that I am afraid our

marriage is drifting apart.’

‘Have faith in God your highness.’

‘It’s been a month now since her family perished and yet the pain wouldn’t leave her. And in this

condition, I feel it will harm her baby.’

‘Baby?’

‘Yes Padre. Rosalin is pregnant.’

‘Congratulations your highness.’

Antonio turned to him earnestly. ‘Padre, please do a favor. Please talk to her. I am sure it would

do her good.’

‘I’ll do whatever is in my power. Rest is in God’s hands.’

He smiled at Antonio in assurance. Antonio nodded slowly.

* * *

The chariot stopped inside the gates of the palace and Fr. Kane slowly alighted. He walked

through the courtyard and in the palace. Soldiers greeted him as he moved inside. Isabella was

in the hall when she saw him. She walked over and gently kneeling, she took his hand and kissed

in reverence. ‘Greetings Padre.’

‘Bless you Senora.’

Isabella stood up straight. ‘Are you here to see his highness? He has gone to meet the Bishop.’

‘No Senora. I am here to meet Senora Rosalin. Will you please direct me to her room.’

‘Sure Padre, I’ll personally lead you.’

Isabella turned around and walked down the hall to the staircase. She started climbing it. Fr. Kane

followed her two steps behind. Down the corridor, around a bend, they came to Antonio’s room.

Discreetly Isabella knocked on the open door and stood aside. Fr. Kane waited a few moments

and then knocked again.

‘Come in.’ Rosalin’s soft mellow voice called out. Fr. Kane entered the room. Isabella turned

around and walked away.

As Fr. Kane stepped in, he saw Rosalin cleaning the harp delicately. She turned around sensing

him. Her face lit up for a fleeting second.

He extended his hand. ‘Congratulations Senora. Antonio just told me the good news that you are

expecting a child.’

‘Thank you Padre.’

‘You don’t look happy about the baby.’

‘I am happy Padre.’ She paused. ‘You see this harp Padre. When I was a small child, I use to play

it for hours and my mother would sit and enjoy the music. It was so nice a feeling…’

‘Senora, I know you suffered a terrible loss. You are going through such a bad phase. But please

you need to come out of this reclusive life and start afresh.’

Rosalin looked at him. ‘Why should I listen to you?’

‘Senora, because God wants you to be happy for your sake and for the baby’s sake.’

Rosalin turned around and walked to the balcony. Softly she called over her shoulder. ‘Please let

me be alone. I don’t need your advice. And why should you care about me? Just leave me alone.’

‘I care about you because I love you… like I love everyone else.’ He slowly added.

Hearing his words, Rosalin stopped in her track. She stood still for a few seconds and then slowly

turned around. The room was empty. Fr. Kane had left the room. She ran outside and walked to

the railings and peered down. She saw Fr. Kane walk out of the palace.

* * *

The bible class was in progress. Finally Fr. Kane ended the teachings with the Lord’s Prayer. He

gently led the children outside and bade they goodbye. He walked back in the church. He stood

before the Pieta and looked at the sculpture earnestly taking in every features of the big statue.

There was something about the sculpture that made you want to cry. He slowly let himself kneel

on the floor in front of the Pieta. Closing his eyes, he started praying silently. Time went by and

he prayed.

The church door opened and Rosalin walked in delicately. She looked across the church. She

could see just the top of Fr. Kane’s head. She walked over to him and gingerly knelt next to him.

She too closed her eyes and bowing her head low and with hands folded, she started praying.

Her soft murmur seemed to break Fr. Kane’s concentration. He realized that someone was

besides him. He opened his eyes and turned around to find Rosalin, her eyes closed, praying

deeply. He could see her lips move silently praying, an occasional mumble reaching his ears. He

watched her face that now appeared serene. He continued to look at her. She looked so much at

peace today he thought to himself.

Rosalin knew he was watching her. Eyes still closed and with a straight face, she softly asked

him, ‘Why did you leave me alone and disappear?’

Embarrassed, Fr. Kane quickly averted his eyes and with a hasty sign of the cross, got up.

Rosalin opened her eyes and turned to look at him with a smile. She turned back to look at the

Pieta and giving it one long look, did a sign of the cross and got up slowly. Fr. Kane had walked

to the altar and with a piece of cloth was cleaning the place.

‘You haven’t answered me Padre.’

‘Senora, I left because my work was done.’

‘Was that all you had to tell me?’

‘Yes Senora.’ He replied softly not daring to look her in the eyes.

‘Padre, don’t turn away your face from me.’ She told him gravely. ‘Please look at me and talk.’

Fr. Kane turned around slowly. They stared at each other silently. He then turned his gaze to her

belly.

‘You know Senora you are lucky to be gifted with motherhood.’

‘I know Padre but sometimes I wonder if I would be able to bear so big a responsibility.’

Fr. Kane gently put his arms around her shoulder and led her to the Pieta. At his touch, Rosalin

seemed to cringe. She felt a certain sensation run up her body that she couldn’t describe. His

touch seemed to heal her internal wounds. They were so tender and so soothing. She closed her

eyes as she let him lead her towards the Pieta. She wanted to savor this moment forever. She

felt as if all her pain had died, all her burdens lifted off her shoulder. This was the man she had

been longing for so long and yet with his touch, she knew she had been wrong with her feelings.

This was not the touch of the man she desired. This was the touch of a man who had the power

to heal the unseen pain.

‘You see this statue of Pieta, Senora. When Mary gave birth to Jesus, she knew she had a

responsibility towards him and towards the whole world. She knew she was ultimately going to

loose her son to the world. But that didn’t deter her from being a good mother or guiding her Son

away from his chosen path. She could have done it but it was the will of God that she believed in.

She fulfilled her responsibility.’

Fr. Kane pulled his hand away from her and turned to look at her. ‘Senora, we are mere mortals.

We often don’t have control over our feelings, over our desires. Everyone goes through this phase.

But when your child comes out in this world, impart your responsibility to make him a better and

understanding person.’

Tears loomed in her eyes which slowly trickled down her cheeks, Fr. Kane shook his head side

ways. She just smiled back at him. It was tears of joy she wanted to tell him but she refrained

herself.

* * *

At Kishen’s house in the village, a large number of villagers had gathered in the night. Kishen

eyed their angry faces. ‘I want my father’s death to be avenged. And all those who have perished

in the brutal assault by the soldiers.’

‘Yes Son. Tio Pedro was not only one of us but he believed in our freedom. He was a true

revolutionary and a great leader who laid his life for us. We can’t let his death go in vain. No way.’

One of the villagers pointed out.

Another villager broke in. ‘They have confiscated our land and our homes. We have to fight to get

that back.’

The first villager spoke again. ‘We can’t forget Rosalin’s role. She too harmed us. She should be

dealt with too.’

Kishen raised his hand to calm the crowd. ‘Yes, and I know that she is my cousin but I won’t let

that come in between our quest. I have received some very important news about Rosalin that

will help us punish her.’

‘What news?’

‘News that will bring down the downfall of the entire Fonseca family. Samarth, tell us what you

saw and heard in the church the other day.’

‘Samarth one of the workers of the church hesitantly stood up. He was nervous and twitched his

hands nervously. Animatedly, he told them about the scene between Rosalin and Fr. Kane.

* * *

The next day, while the mass progress, Rosalin played the organ. Antonio watched her happily.

Soon the mass got over and the people mingled out. Fr. Kane walked upto them. Antonio was

beaming. ‘I don’t know how to thank you. Your words have done wonders to Rosalin. I have never

seen her more happier in recent times.’

‘I have done nothing your highness. It’s God who’s shone the light in her life.’

‘Padre, You don’t seem to be your usual self. Is everything alright?’

‘Your highness…’ Fr. Kane hesitated a bit. But at Antonio’s encouraging nod, he continued. ‘I am

a priest and I believe in spreading the word of God with love and understanding.’

‘Padre, I don’t understand.’

‘Your highness, for the sake of some few evil men from the village, we destroyed the whole village.

The women and children have no place to go. If only we return back their belongings, their

properties, I am sure they will be more than glad to embrace Christianity knowing that we are

forgiving people.’

‘Padre, these people can be real stubborn.’

‘I know your highness, but this stage, they have nothing to loose and everything to gain.’

‘You do have a point, Padre. Let me speak to Pai about this.’

‘Gracia, your highness. But you think his highness will agree.’ Fr. Kane looked at him doubtfully.

Antonio paused. ‘So what have you in mind.’

‘I’ll be betraying his highness if I did this without anyone’s knowledge. But I wish to write to the

King for his approval.’

‘Padre, if you think that will work, go ahead. I’ll back you.’

Fr. Kane smiled at him. Antonio gently patted his back in assurance. They then turned around to

watch Rosalin walk towards them with an easy gait.

* * *

Fr. Kane walked down the dusty streets in the village. Most of the houses were half burnt to the

ground. Some still intact. But none were occupied. The village bore a ghostly look. He came

across Rosalin’s house. He remembered his first visit to the house. There was such a pleasant

atmosphere then and look at it today, not even a shadow of its former self. Just a haunted-like

look.

The villagers had built a make-shift tent on an open ground and as he walked towards them, he

could feel their anger target at him as they looked at him skeptically. He seemed to understand

their plight. He stopped and waited. The crowd walked towards him menacingly and slowly circled

him. They glared at him with hatred.

Fr. Kane felt no fear as he slowly looked around at each of them slowly. He felt pity for them. This

was their land and he was a stranger intruding on it and claiming it to be its own. He gave a big

sigh and turned to look at the village elder who with a thick bamboo stick in his hand, was looking

at him with anger.

‘Friends, I, as the head of this church right now have come on my own free will to talk to you. ‘

‘What do you want to talk to us about?’ The villager elder yelled at him in anger.

‘Senor, I believe everyone has right to his or her own property. You have toiled hard to build your

homes and fill it with little things. I know that taking away your property was not a good thing to

do. It has affected your families. Lots of people got killed, your wives and children were rendered

homeless. And to let you know that I have come in good faith, let me tell you that I have sent a

request to the King in Portugal directly asking him for permission to return back your property as

a good will gesture. Rest assured that you will get back what is rightfully yours.’

The crowd listened silently. They still were suspicious of Fr. Kane. They looked at each other

slowly.

‘What guarantee that you are saying the truth?’ The village elder spoke though with a softer tone.

‘Do I gain anything by coming here in your midst alone and unarmed? I could loose my life if you

desired.’

The villagers looked at each other and nodded their head knowingly.

‘I am a man of God. I know no hatred for others, only love and understand. Rest assured that you

will get your property back.’

Fr. Kane slowly nodded his head around and turned around, walked back elegantly down the

dusty street as the villagers watched him go, unsure of him.

* * *

In his private study, the Viceroy was in a meeting with Fr. Kane. Marcos stood at the window and

watched the proceedings silently. He could see the Viceroy was in a foul mood. The Viceroy

turned menacingly towards Fr. Kane as he calmly sat across the table.

‘I don’t understand one thing. On what basis did you promise the villagers on returning back their

property?

‘Your highness. I believe that with love and understanding you can win the pagans over rather

than by force. It’s just a matter of time before they become a part of our church.’

‘Padre, you are supposed to deal with just the running of the Church, the preaching and your

congregation. You don’t have to involve yourself in the administration matters. Leave that to us!’

‘I am sorry your highness. I didn’t mean to intrude in your functioning. Pardon me.’

‘Padre, I am highly disappointed in you. You took the liberty to write directly to the king about this.

You know the repercussion of this? At this stage, we will loose hold over this land.’

Fr. Kane silently sat. He knew the Viceroy was in no mood to accept his explanation. Time went

by as the Viceroy went on babbling as Fr. Kane silently heard him out. Behind him, Marcos

watched the proceedings with a sly smile on his face.

Luck favored Fr. Kane when Antonio discreetly knocked on the door and entered the room. He

looked around once and realized the grimness of the situation. But he knew better than to ask.

He bowed low before his father.

‘Pai, I am traveling to Bombaim to inspect the new ships we ordered for. I should be back in a few

days.’

The Viceroy nodded his head in agreement. ‘Take some of your best men with you. Enemies

might be lurking in the high seas.’

‘Yes Pai.’

‘God be with you, your highness.’ Fr. Kane called out softly.

Antonio looked across at Fr. Kane and nodded his head with a smile.

The Viceroy looked at him disdainfully. ‘You may also leave Padre.’

Fr. Kane got up and bowing low, walked out of the room with Antonio. They descended the stairs

silently. From the corridors, Rosalin watched them descend.

‘Is something wrong Padre?’ Antonio asked him gravely.

‘No your highness.’

They were out of the palace. Antonio saw that his men were ready. He ordered a dozen of them

to accompany him. As they prepared for the travel, Fr. Kane turned to Antonio.

‘You should have stayed back till the Santos Passos before embarking on the journey your

highness.’

‘Padre I wish I could do that. But these ships are supposed to be very good and with the enemies

stationed in the high seas and a possibility of an attack any given day, I don’t think its safe for

Goa for long. So might as well be prepared.’

‘Yes, duty comes first your highness.’

Antonio looked at him. ‘Padre, call me just Antonio. I am not worthy to be called your highness by

you.’

Fr. Kane looked at him. A smile broke on his face. ‘You are a great man Antonio. Have a safe

journey. God be with you.’

Antonio took his hand and bowing low, kissed it delicately. Antonio climbed on his horse and Fr.

Kane boarded his chariot and they branched out in the opposite directions. Up in the palace,

Rosalin watched them go. She picked up her harp and started to play the music. As the music

filled the air, she let her mind drift off to the past as she remembered the first time she had met

Antonio and Fr. Kane.

* * *

That night before going to bed, Fr. Kane wrote his ‘diary’. ‘The Viceroy obviously was not pleased

with my decision. But I did what I felt was right. I have a feeling about a bigger war about to

happen this very place and if I could dispel it, so be it God.’

* * *

At the Bishop’s house, a whole lot of elderly priests, members of the council were gathered. They

were seated around a table. The Bishop was slowly prancing back and forth, deep in thought.

The others looked at him in anticipation. Finally he stopped and looked at them. ‘I strongly feel

we are being harsh with our judgment. I know Fr. Kane and there is no way I can accept the fact

that he is involved in… in this so called relationship with the Captain’s wife. And unless and until

we have complete details, lets not jump to any conclusion. Understand?’

‘Yes Your Lordship.’ The others echoed.

‘This is very disturbing news I know…’ the Bishop paused. ‘But we can’t let this ruin the Church.

I want everyone to concentrate of Santos Passos. I will personally discuss with the Viceroy of this

so-called scandal. God forbid if this turns out to be true, then help us God.’ The Bishop ended

with a deep sigh.

* * *

A huge stage was set in the center of the town. The area though well decorated still bore a picture

of gloom. A crowd had gathered and taken their place on the ground, wearing a shade of black

and white, the color of mourning. Pagans too had gathered in huge numbers to witness the Santos

Passos or the Passion of the Christ, a proceeding depicting the last hours of Christ Jesus, the

savior of the Christians.

Local Christians dressed in biblical attire were standing waiting for the Santos Passos to begin.

Jesuit priests and seminarians were also dress in Apostles garbs and seated at a long table.

An orator stood at the edge of the stage and cleared his voice aloud. The crowd went silent. The

orator looked around as the crowd settled down and waited in silence for the Santos Passos to

begin. The royal family was not expected at this place. The orator knew that they would join the

procession at St. Ignatius Church. He once again looked around. A soft murmur passed through

the crowd. Across him, he saw the crowd part slowly and Rosalin walked through gingerly. Right

in front of the stage, a chair was arranged for her to sit. Rosalin walked over and sat down.

On cue, the orator began. ‘Friends, we are here to witness an enactment of a very important story

that happened for real hundreds of years ago. A story that changed our ancestors’ lives, our lives

and which will effect the lives of our future clan. A story of a Man whom we all revere and look

upon as our Savior. The Man whom we all know as Jesus Christ.’

The orator took a deep pause. ‘Friends, as we watch our fellow brethren enact the Santos Passos

or the scenes of the last hours of Jesus Christ, let us all reflect on our own lives and change it for

the better. Let this Passion touch our lives so that we may better understand the love of God and

the sacrifice that His Son made so that our sins may be forgiven.’

The orator paused again and turned around to look at the artistes on the stage. From the other

side of the stage, the curtains parted and Fr. Kane walked out dressed as Jesus Christ. He wore

fake beard and moustache to authenticate the role. Seeing him with this make up, Rosalin felt

herself smiling.

The choir behind the orator seeing Fr. Kane walk out on the stage started a Gregorian chant. The

heavy choir sound reverberated across the town as they sang the passage of the bible. Fr. Kane

walked to the center of the stage where his disciples were seated at the table. As the choir sang,

the scene of the Last Supper slowly unfolded in front of the crowd as they watched pensively.

They saw Jesus wash the feet of his disciples and when he had washed all the disciples’ feet, he

sat down for the supper. He broke bread with them. The crowd had no trouble understanding the

choir’s Latin chant as the orator kept translating them in the local language as the choir took a

break after each act of the Last Supper. And when Jesus aka Fr. Kane broke the bread and gave

the wine that resembled his blood, the choir sang, ‘I tell you solemnly one of you shall betray me.’

Fr. Kane halted for a brief second as his eyes met Rosalin’s. Her eyes were moist. She looked

away and blinked her eyes in quick succession to dry away those telltale tears.

The scene changed. The background gave away to a garden location and as Jesus prayed in the

garden in the night, the disciples slept. Jesus finished his prayers and woke his disciples up and

as they turned to leave the garden, Judas kisses Jesus and betrays him. The soldiers capture

Jesus.

The crowd watched mesmerized, as the new acts slowly unfolded in front of the eyes. And then

came the scourging at the pillar and as the whip mockingly slashed against Jesus’ body, Rosalin

winced in pain. The crowd was not aware but she knew that the whipping was happening for real.

Their eyes met again and the truth hit her hard. He was atoning for her sins. Pain and anguish

filled her heard. Tears loomed large in her eyes.

Jesus is condemned to death and the procession leaves the town. Jesus carried the cross across

the streets of Goa that now signified the streets of Jerusalem towards St. Ignatius Church that

signified Golgotha outside the Jerusalem city.

Thousands thronged the streets as the huge procession passed through occasionally stopping at

stipulated points to enact the acts of the passion – the falling of Jesus, the sneer from the crowd,

the wiping of Jesus’ face by Veronica. And as Jesus took each step painfully, Rosalin kept her

pace with him walking from the sides, her eyes never leaving his face. She knew Fr. Kane was

going through a lot of pain and yet he bore the heavy burden with a smile on his face. She knew

in her pregnant condition, she shouldn’t be walking too much. But her pain was no match for the

pain that Fr. Kane was bearing for both of them. Occasionally, Fr. Kane would look at her briefly

and seeing her teary face, smile in assurance. But her tears wouldn’t stop. But then most of the

crowd that lined the streets too were crying pitifully for this icon of the Man they revered and

looked upon as their Savior.

They now reached the last leg of the procession. The royal family had already taken their seats

in front of the mound created in front of the St. Ignatius Church. The procession slowly came up

to the mound and the crowd stood up in reverence as Jesus carried the cross. The soldiers then

stripped him and nailed him to the cross with ropes and then lofted the cross on the mound. The

choir sang with full frenzy as Jesus uttered his last line, ‘Father forgive them for they did not know

what they doing.’ The choir’s voice reverberated loudly and slowly and slowly the pitch came down

in a deadly silence. There was a deep silence as tears flowed freely from the eyes of the massive

crowd that had gathered to witness the Santos Passos. Rosalin stood at the base of the mound

and looked at the face of Jesus tearfully, her hand folded in offering as she said a silent prayer.

From behind the huge crowd and perched atop a tree, Kishen watched the proceedings with deep

concern. His eyes scanned the crowd. Amongst the thousands who had gathered to witness the

Santos Passos, he realized that most of them were pagans and the thought disturbed him

immensely.

* * *

After a nice bath, Rosalin dressed, laid down on the bed. Santos Passos had tired her extremely

and sleep soon overcame her. As she lay sleeping, she dreamt about the procession. In her sleep,

she felt a hand gently play with her shoulder and fingers sliding on it. She enjoyed the feelings as

her mind was far in the oblivion. The hand then loosened her gown knots and slid it down to

expose her breasts, yet she felt nothing. The hand then felt her breasts and suddenly she snapped

out of her dreams to find Marcos standing in front of her with a wry smile. She quickly got up.

‘Easy easy Senora. Don’t panic. It won’t do good for the baby.’ Marcos told her sarcastically.

‘How dare you?’ She raised her hand and slapped him hard.

Marcos grabbed her hair and pulled her closer. ‘Stupid woman. I am going to destroy you.

‘You are wrong Marcos. I am going to destroy you. Wait till Antonio gets back.’

‘Oh yes? Well I am going to see to it that you are not around to see that day, you dumb woman!’

Saying this Marcos angrily stormed out of the room.

* * *

In the village in the dying twilight, hundreds of villagers had gathered with flaming torches and

weapons. The village leader stood on a raised platform. ‘Friends, tonight is the night to avenge

the death of our near and dear ones and to throw the foreigners out of our land. If we don’t do it

soon, we will loose our identity, our religion, our everything to these foreigners. Kishen, I know

that Rosalin is your cousin. But at this hour, we shouldn’t forget that she is also a cause of our

problems. ‘

Kishen looked sullenly at the villager leader. ‘I know no relationship in this fight for freedom!’ His

brother Pedro cringed at his words as he stared solemnly from amidst the crowd.

The village leader continued. ‘Rosalin was our daughter but she went against us. She thought

that by doing one or two good deeds, she can fool us but no. We are not fools! We want our

freedom!!!’

The crowd chanted in unison. ‘Yes yes… Freedom!!! ‘

Suddenly another voice boomed loudly. ‘I believe in you all. Everyone has right to it.’ The crowd

looked around to find Marcos standing there. Suddenly pin drop silence befell. Marcos slowly

walked in their midst. ‘I know I am a part of the enemy. But if you ask Kishen, he will agree that I

am on your side.’

Kishen looked at the village leader. ‘Yes, he is with us.’

Marcos continued. ‘Without me, you will fail to get your hands on Rosalin. But I know I can help.

I can convince the Viceroy to hand over Rosalin. You can do anything with her thereafter. And

once the scandal reaches Portugal, the present royal family will have to leave this place and then

I will request to be appointed the Viceroy.’

‘What do we have to gain by this?’ The leader questioned him.

‘Well, you will get ample opportunity to be a part of my governance. You will also get your land

back which Fr. Kane so rightly grabbed from you.‘

One of the villagers spoke up. ‘But he has already promised that he would give us our land back.

‘

Marcos gave a short chuckle. ‘Aha. How naïve you can be. He was just buying time to sell the

land to me and disappear back to where he came from with his beloved Rosalin.’

‘That’s sheer blasphemy!‘

‘Yes I know. And tonight I’ll tell the Viceroy about it. I just want you to promise me that you won’t

harm my sister, my wife and my son. In return, I’ll give you power in this province.’

Kishen looked at the villagers. They nodded their head in acceptance.

Kishen gave a loud bellow. ‘Down with Rosalin… Down with Fr. Kane!’

The crowd echoed his words.

Marcos smiled sinisterly.

* * *

Fr. Kane was in his room. His body was bare waist up and there was harsh wound marks on his

back due to the whipping during the Santos Passos. He pulled out a small bottle of ointment and

tried to apply it on his back. It was a painful process since he couldn’t reach all the way back. As

he struggled, another hand came up and gently applied an herbal paste on his wounds. Fr. Kane

quickly turned around to find Rosalin standing there with a bowl of paste in her hand.

‘You!’

‘Yes Padre. Here let me help you…’

‘No please I’ll do it.’ Fr. Kane quickly looked around for his garment to cover his naked body.

‘Padre, I am sorry if I barged in your privacy. Please let me help you apply this paste on your

wounds.’

‘Senora, please leave.’ Fr. Kane told her firmly as he put on his vest.

Rosalin looked at him hard. ‘Padre, you are a human being like us. You too feel pain. Is it wrong

for a woman to come to the aid of a priest?’

Fr. Kane looked at her for some time. Without a word, he sat down again and lifted his vest from

behind to expose the wound. She pulled out some paste and gently applied it to his wounds. Her

touch seemed to do magic for Fr. Kane as he experience the soothing effect.

‘You are the first woman after my mother to touch my body.’

‘I know.’

‘You know?’

‘Yes Padre. I know ‘cause I know you Padre.’

She continued applying the paste in silence. Satisfied that she had covered all the wounds, she

kept the bowl down on the table and washed her hands at the basin. She then walked out of the

room. She entered the Church. She gingerly walked over to the Pieta and knelt down slowly for

her ritual prayer. She closed her eyes and murmured a prayer. Done, she got up slowly. Fr. Kane

dressed in his priest vest, held her arm and gently steadied her on her feet. She looked at his

loving and serene face.

‘Senora, you have so much love to give. Sometimes I envy you.’ Fr. Kane told her with a smile.

‘When your child comes out in this beautiful world, give all you have unto the child so that the

child too does the same with the others.’

‘Padre, you still nice of me after all I have done to you?’

‘Senora, you simply followed your heart. You did no wrong.’

Tears flowed down Rosalin’s cheeks.

‘No Senora, don’t cry. Smile ‘cause God himself is visiting you in the form of your child.’

‘No Padre, these are not tears of pain. These tears are tears of remorse I feel for myself.’

She then bent down slowly to touch his feet. Fr. Kane quickly took a step backwards.

‘What are you doing Senora?’

‘I am seeking your forgiveness Padre. I have sinned against you and against God.’

‘No Senora. I am a common man. Ask Him for forgiveness.’ He said indicating the crucifix on the

altar.

Rosalin walked towards the crucifix and kissed the feet of Jesus. Tears flowed down her face.

She looked at the face of Jesus. Fr. Kane gently touched her on the shoulder.

‘It’s getting late Senora. Come, I’ll reach you home.’

‘Padre you are a nice man and I played with your sentiments. Please forgive me.’

‘I forgive you Senora. Please don’t put too much pressure on your self. It will harm the child.’

‘Yes Padre.’

They slowly walked out of the church in silence. In the dying sunlight, they reach the palace gates.

Fr. Kane got out of the chariot and slowly extended his hand for Rosalin. He gently helped her

down. She slowly bent and kissed his hand. They stood looking at each other, smile on their

faces.

‘Start life afresh Senora. Tomorrow is going to be a beautiful day.’

She nodded at him and giving him one last look, turned around and slowly walked inside the gate.

From inside the palace and his study balcony, the Viceroy looked at Rosalin and Fr. Kane as they

stared at each other. He saw Rosalin gently bend her knee and take Fr. Kane’s hand to kiss it

and then turned around to enter the palace gates. He then saw Fr. Kane turn enter his chariot

and ride away. He looked down at Rosalin as she slowly made her way inside the palace. He

turned around and walked back in the room.

The Bishop was seated grimly across the table in his study. Other family members stood silently.

The Viceroy paced in the room in deep thought.

‘Excellency, I must take your leave.’ The Bishop spoke with a sigh.

The viceroy looked at him. He nodded slowly.

The Bishop got up and walked to him. ‘I hope whatever decision you take, you take it in the right

direction.’

He then turned and walked out of the room. Behind him, he heard the Viceroy tell Isabella to call

Rosalin. Softly the Bishop murmured to himself. ‘May peace be upon you.’

As he walked down the staircase, he saw Rosalin. Rosalin too saw him and smiled at him.

‘Greetings your lordship.’

‘Greetings my child. How are you doing my dear?’

‘Alright your lordship. Your lordship, please bless me and my child.’ She slowly bent her head in

front of him.

With a heavy heart, the Bishop raised his hand and placed it on her head. ‘Bless you child. May

this night see you through all your pains and bring you a happy morning.’ The Bishop then walked

out with determined steps. Rosalin looked at him oddly.

‘Rosalin.’

Rosalin turned around to find Isabella walking down the staircase. She smiled at her as Isabella

embraced her warmly. Sensing something amiss since Isabella had never been so warm with her,

she asked her. ‘Is something wrong?’

‘Rosa, the family wants you in the study.’ Isabella told her grimly.

Rosalin looked at her. Isabella gently squeezed her arm in assurance, a gentle smile on her lips.

They then walked slowly up the staircase. Isabella held on to her arms and helped her climb the

staircase.

They discreetly knocked on the door and entered. Rosalin took in the grimness of the situation as

she looked around and found all the family members present. Everyone seemed to be giving her

a queer look. The Viceroy looked at her, his eyes full of hatred and without waiting a moment for

her to settle down blurted out. ‘Rapariga, what’s this we are hearing about you?’

‘What Pai?’ She looked at him curiously.

Viceroy turned around and walked to the window and looked outside. He found it difficult to

question her. Rosalin looked at his back and then slowly at each of the family members. They all

averted their eyes away unable to see her in the eye. Marcos walked up roughly and took her by

her arms and pulled her closer to Viceroy Fonseca.

‘Let me tell you what happened. You and Fr. Kane are giving us a bad name.’

‘I don’t understand Marcos.’

‘Don’t be so naïve Rosalin. The world knows of your affair with Fr. Kane. I have seen it with my

own eyes. And this child…’ He continued indicating her belly, ‘… is not Antonio’s but Fr. Kane’s.’

‘Shut up Marcos. Do you realise what you saying? How can you be so stupid?’

‘Don’t you try that on us, you bitch!’

‘Enough Marcos. Give her a chance to clarify herself.’ Lady Fonseca intervened sternly.

‘Your excellency, don’t believe her. I have seen her in the close confines of Fr. Kane and…’

‘Stop it Marcos! Vós sois malucos!’ (You are crazy!) Rosalin slapped him hard.

Marcos roughly held her by her shoulder. ‘I have not finished yet Rosalin.’ Angrily he called out to

Samarth. ‘Samarth, come in.’

Samarth hesitantly walked in the room and bowed low before the royal family as they looked

questioningly at him. Marcos walked up to him. ‘Samarth, will you tell his highness and the others

what you saw the other day in the church?’

Samarth nervously twitched. He looked at Rosalin and then at the Viceroy who eyed him curiously.

‘Don’t be afraid Samarth.’ Marcos goaded.

Samarth diverted his gaze downward. Softly he whispered, ‘I saw Lady Rosalin and Fr. Kane in

close proximity in the Church.’

‘Stop it!’ Rosalin yelled. ‘How can you malign the name of a holy person like Fr. Kane? He is an

innocent man. He is such a noble man. Your highness, what you hear is only a part of it. It’s me

who’s been a bad person. It’s me who loves Fr. Kane. It’s me who’s broken Antonio’s trust in me

by thinking of Fr. Kane. He’s innocent. He’s always tried to get me to erase all this unwanted

feelings for him but yet he failed and I failed…’

Rosalin broke down sobbing. Tearfully, she continued, her words choking inside her. ‘He is so

vulnerable, so innocent and I like a vamp, had to bring mayhem in his life…’

The family watched her silently. Suddenly Rosalin clutched her belly as the pain ravaged her

body. Teresa got up to help her but stopped hearing Marcos. ‘Don’t. That bitch doesn’t deserve

our hospitality. She has maligned our name, smeared the royal family name with her sin. She

doesn’t deserve to be in this house. Pai, ask her to leave immediately.’

Rosalin writhed in pain. It became unbearable and she soon went into labor. Seeing that no

women was ready to help her, Isabella got up and ran to Rosalin. ‘It’s ok. You will be fine.’ She

turned to the others. ‘Everybody out! If no one wants to help her, fine but I am not going to let her

die like this. You all should be ashamed of yourselves. Nobody in this room is of pure heart so

why crucify just one person. You Irmao, you too had tried to woo her isn’t it. So is it because of

that that you are trying to get even with her? Now get out and let her bring her child in this world.

Out!

The crowd watched each other hesitantly. Suddenly there’s lot of commotions outside. A servant

came in hastily and bowed low. ‘I am sorry for interrupting your highness. The villagers have

surrounded the palace and they are demanding Lady Rosalin to be handed over to them.’

‘What?’ The Viceroy looked angrily at Marcos. ‘I hope you don’t have anything to do with his.’

‘Absolutely not your highness. I wouldn’t dare to malign the royal family name this way.’

Viceroy Fonseca walked out of the room and looked down from the railing of the balcony. The

villagers had gathered in the hall downstairs with flaming torches and weapons of all kinds that

ranged from spears to swords and iron rods.

‘What do you want?’ The Viceroy called out angrily.

The villagers saw him. The leader yelled. ‘Your highness, we want Rosalin. She has committed

an immoral act against the Church and against us. We want to punish her.’

The Viceroy yelled back. ‘Who has given you authority to punish her?’

‘We don’t need any authority from others. Today, we are the authority. She has sinned and she

should be punished.’

‘She has sinned against the Church. And the Church will decide her punishment. The Tribunal

will try her case. You may all leave.’ The Viceroy ordered.

From amidst the crowd, Kishen walked out in the front and looked up. ‘No! We won’t leave without

Rosalin. The Church will act biased with her and Fr. Kane. We are going to condemn them to

death in our own way.’

‘You! Kishen, you forget that Rosalin is your master’s wife?’

‘I have no master now your highness. We request you to please hand over Rosalin to us or else…’

Marcos had joined the Viceroy at the window. He whispered. ‘Your highness, the villagers look

like they might attack the palace. We better hand over Rosalin to them.’

‘Marcos, I won’t do such a thing. She is a part of the family and if she has sinned against the

Church, then let the Tribunal try her case.’ The Viceroy said firmly. ‘Call the guards’ He thundered.

‘How can you let that happen? Don’t you see the villagers are not in their senses today? They will

attack the palace if we don’t listen to their demands.’ Marcos tried to reason loudly.

The Viceroy looked at him angrily. ‘Marcos don’t forget whom you are talking to. You should be

out there to stop them and not be a coward. Now go and do your duty. Get them all out of the

palace!’

With a sneer, Marcos looked at him. ‘You are growing senile old man.‘ He then took out his dagger

and stabbed him repeatedly. The Viceroy clutched at him but with the energy drained out of him,

he fell down dead.

Down, in the hall, the villagers attacked the soldiers. Lady Viceroy ran to save her husband and

Marcos stopped her and dug the knife deep in her and twisted it brutally. She gasped and

staggered backwards, her blood spilling all over the carpet. Marcos brutally kicked her and sent

her reeling down the staircase. Isabella watched it from the study. She quickly locked the door of

the study. Marcos banged on the door but it wouldn’t budge.

Some of the villagers started the staircase while the others looted the palace. Marcos realized

that his plan had backfired and he ran out to the other part of the palace. Teresa and Manuel ran

after him but couldn’t keep abreast of him. The villagers capture them. Kishen looked at Teresa

as he caught her in a tight embrace. One of the villagers pulled out his knife and slashed Manuel’s

neck killing him instantly. Kishen ordered a couple of villagers to seek out Rosalin.

Kishen then dragged Teresa in a room and raped her. Satisfied, he pulled out his pistol and shot

her in the heart. He came out to realize that Rosalin wasn’t to be found. Again Kishen and few

men searched the palace but Rosalin couldn’t be found. Their search brought them to the

Viceroy’s study room. They tried to push the door open but without any results. The door was

locked from inside.

Kishen ordered the villagers to break down the door. The men brought in hammers and sickles

and attached the locked door. Soon the door comes down crashing. The room was empty. Rosalin

had escaped. They had no idea of the secret passage that led from the Viceroy’s study to the

outskirt of the village.

Through the dark tunnel, Rosalin weakly carried her newborn baby. She had no idea where the

passage led. Isabella had pushed her through the trap door. But where was Isabella she

wondered aloud. Finally she could saw a faint bluish glow. She walked out to find herself on the

other side of the mountain. She could see the dark shadow of the church in the distance. With

whatever energy she had, she walked hurriedly towards it. She kept herself in shadows wherever

possible. She could see flaming torches far away and she knew the villagers were looking out for

her.

A short while later, she neared the parish house and banged on the door. Fr. Kane opened it and

shock surprise covered his face when he saw her in a disheveled state and holding a baby.

‘Padre quick, we need to get out of this place. The villagers have killed everyone at the palace

and are now looking for us.’

‘What? But why? And this baby?

‘My baby. Fr. Kane, I am sorry, I am sorry. The villagers think we had something going between

us. They think it’s your baby. I am sorry Father. Please let’s leave this place and escape before

they kill us all.’

‘Senora, I am a man of God. I fear only him. My God knows I am innocent.’

‘Please Father, don’t do this. Go away from here.’

‘You go Senora. Take this child somewhere till it’s safe to be back. Till Antonio isn’t back, protect

yourself and your child.’

Suddenly they saw dark shadows move towards the church with flaming torches. There was a lot

of shouting happening. Fr. Kane turned quickly towards Rosalin. ‘Quick you go by the back door.’

‘But Father…’ Rosalin looked pleadingly at him.

‘Don’t say a word. Go. May God be with you.’

He led her through the rooms to the back of the Church and opened a door. Rosalin gave him

one last loving look. Fr. Kane is deeply pained by the calamities that had befallen her. ‘Go in

peace.’ He closed the door behind her and waited for a few seconds as he hurriedly said a prayer

for her.

As the door closed behind her, Rosalin ran as far as she could from the church. She stopped and

turned around to take a last look at the church. She felt remorse about Fr. Kane. She was

responsible for the hell that was going to fall on Fr. Kane. How can she then desert him at such a

crucial time? I must atone for my sins she thought to herself. But the baby, how do I save the

baby she thought. As if reading her mind, Isabella hurried through the bushes. Rosalin was

relieved. They hug each other, tears flowing down their cheeks.

‘I am so glad to see you.’ Rosalin told her with tears in her eyes.

‘Quick Rosalin, we must get out of here.’

‘No Isa, you go alone. Take the baby.’

‘What about you?’ She asked him in astonishment.

Rosalin tearfully looked at her. A wry smile spread on her face.

‘I have to atone for my sins. I am going back to the Church before they kill Fr. Kane.’

‘I can’t let you do that. They will kill you Rosa!’

‘I know. But it’s the price I must pay for betraying God.’ She looked earnestly at Isabella. ‘Please

Isa, take the baby and leave. Give him a new life. God knows that the baby is legitimate and that

I am innocent. Now please go.’

‘But…’ Isabella looked at her pleadingly.

‘God is with me Isa. I have no fear.’

She handed the baby to Isabella. Tears flowed down her cheeks. She took one long last look at

the baby and gently kissed it. She then kissed Isabella and then with determined steps, she

walked back to the Church and around it. The villagers had reached the Church. Finding the door

closed from inside, they start banging hard.

Rosalin’s voice stopped them. ‘I am here. I am the one who is guilty. Kill me and leave the poor

Padre in peace.’

Kishen ran up angrily and pulled her by her hair. ‘No, we want the priest too. He has blasphemed

against us and against his very own religion. He too has to die.‘

The villagers yelled out in unison. ‘Burn her… burn her!’

‘Yes, that’s what we’ll do as dawn breaks. Arrange a stake for her and right here.’ Kishen ordered.

Dawn was just a couple of hours away and the villagers started building a stake in front of the

church.

One of the villagers ran and locked the door from outside. Another ran behind the church to look

the other door.

As soon as the stake was ready, Rosalin was tied to it. Villagers came up to spit at her and to

mock her. She showed no sign of weakness as she kept a straight face.

As the dawn approached, the villagers started to pile dry woods all around her. And as the first

rays of the morning sun lit the sky, Kishen picked up a flaming torch and walked to the stake. ‘This

is for bring a curse to Goa.’ And he threw the flaming torch at the stake and soon the dry pile

caught fire. He laughed menacingly.

But Rosalin eyes were elsewhere. She felt no pain as she watched the crowd cheering wildly,

waving sickles and knives in the air. Over the burning fire, her attention was on the Church obvious

to the scorching fire where a group of people were piling dry wood and hay all around it. Satisfied,

one of the men then picked up a burning wood from near Rosalin's stake and walked lecherously

to the Church and threw the burning piece of wood on the hay.

Rosalin screamed. ‘… No… don’t do it… please… please… he is innocent… please he is

innocent… don’t hurt him. He is a man of God… He is innocent… please dooooooooooooooon’t

…

* * *

As she burnt at the stake, on the other side at the quay, the ships docked and Antonio and the

soldiers alighted. Seeing it deserted, he looked around curiously to find a man run up to him. The

man bowed lowly and quickly told him about the harrowing incident.

‘What!’ Antonio couldn’t believe it. He quickly mounted his horse and with his troops, sped towards

the palace. ‘How dare they attack the palace?’ He was fuming mad.

As they neared the palace, they saw half of the palace burning, the flames reaching for the sky.

Antonio quickly dismounted from his running horse and ran inside.

Lots of dead bodies lay throughout the palace. He saw his mother lying dead near the staircase.

He picked her gingerly and looked at her face. He fought to control his tears. He gently placed

her back on the floor and ran up the stairs towards his father’s study. Outside on the staircase,

he saw Manuel, lying in a pool of blood. He picked him up. He saw he was dead.

Further he could make out his father’s dead body. He was filled with anger. He heard a soft moan.

He quickly ran from room to room trying to see where the sound came from. He came to his room.

Teresa was writhing in deep pain. Her clothes were in tatters and she was bleeding profusely. He

ran up and picked her up. She opened her eyes and for a fleeting moment, she recognized him.

She tried to speak but no words came out of her mouth.

‘Teresa my Teresa, who has done this?’ He pleaded with her.

‘Ma…Ma…’ She couldn’t speak further.

‘Marcos? Is it Marcos?’ He asked her.

She nodded her head slowly.

‘Rosa… baby…’

She gave a loud gasp and her body shuddered for a second or two and then it went limp. She

was dead. Antonio gently laid her on the bed and did a sign of the cross.

He walked outside and looked down from the railings. His men were all assembled in the hall. He

ordered his men to follow him and to kill all rebel villagers.

They raced towards the Church. They were still a distance away when a baby’s cry filtered to his

hears. He stopped. The men behind him stopped in unison. He dismounted from his horse and

sped through the bushes. ‘Halt. Who goes there?’

‘Antonio!’ Isabella recognized his voice. She ran out of the bushes clutching the baby tightly, tears

of relief on her face.

‘Rosalin. Save her. The villagers are going to kill her and Fr. Kane.’

‘What! You go to the quay and board the ship. I’ll meet you there.’ He turned to one of his trusted

soldiers. ‘You. You go with her and safeguard them.’

The soldier bowed low. Isabella quickly mounted his horse and sat behind him with the baby as

the soldier trotted through the bushes.

‘To the church!’ Antonio ordered as he raced towards it. The soldiers followed.

As they neared it, Antonio saw the burning inferno. ‘Rosalin.’ He called out loudly. And in the dying

moments, Rosalin heard Antonio call out her name as the fire engulfed her completely.

The soldiers attacked the weapon-wielding villagers. Seeing that help was at hand, Marcos came

out from he was hiding. With mock tears, he walked towards Antonio who’s eyes were glued to

the burning stake tearfully. ‘Antonio my Antonio. Look what they have done to us.’

Antonio looked at him with resent. ‘Shut up. I know about you. You destroyed my family. You

brought death on Rosalin. You maligned her name as well as our family name. You poisoned the

mind of the villagers. You don’t have any right to live now. Prepare to die.’

Antonio lunged at him with his sword. Marcos brought his sword out and a brutal fight ensued

between them. Dark smoke from the burning inferno made it difficult for them to see each other

as they ward off attack after attack. Smoke kept them choking with cough but they fought each

other bitterly.

Present – 2004

The morning sunlight slowly filtered through the broken windows and walls of the church and on

an unconscious Cathy. She woke up groggily. She could hear frantic voices calling out her name.

She looked around and screamed again as a rat scampered across the floor. She quickly

scrambled backward as Sanjose ran up. Cathy you ok?

With heaving breathing, Cathy nodded her head indicating she was fine.

Sanjose took her in his arms and held her close. ‘My God. You had us worried. We been looking

for you all over the place. I had a doubt we’ll find you here.’

‘I am sorry darling.’ Cathy told him apologetically.

The others students too had entered the church now. They all ran towards them and circled over

them with concern. She slowly looked around at their faces. ‘Cathy, I think you owe us all an

explanation and what is this in your hand?’ Sanjose gently guided her.

Cathy looked at her hand. There was a very old diary she was clutching tightly. She quickly looked

back at the confession booth. Sanjose walked over and pushed open the small door. He too was

shocked to see what’s behind. A skeleton in fade white vest. He looked quizzically at Cathy. Cathy

knew what he was thinking. ‘That’s Fr. Kane.’

‘Father who?’ Bono asked her as he too glanced inside the confession booth.

‘Fr. Kane who was involved in the scandal 400 years ago.’

‘But Cathy, how could you know that’s him?’ Sanjose asked her.

‘I know and this is his diary. A diary where he wrote his last confession, his last dying statement

just second before death engulfed him.’

‘But that’s impossible. 400 years and you think no one would have stumbled across him?’ Bono

said incredulously.

Cathy said slowly. ‘During those initial years, no would have dared to because they knew they

had committed a ghastly crime by burning down the church along with Fr. Kane, an innocent man

and a man of God. And when they found the church empty, they assumed he had disappeared.

No one gave a second thought to look behind the confession booth.’

‘But why keep alive the scandal issue?’

‘It made way for a good and interesting story. It was also their way of turning a blind eye to the

reality.’

‘Hey wait a sec Cathy. I don’t get this. How do you know all this?’ Bono was puzzled now.

‘Yes Cathy, tell us. Since we arrived in Goa, you have been behaving strangely like you have

been there when all this happened.’ Sanjose looked at her surprisingly

‘Yes I have been there through my dreams… dreams of Rosalin and Fr. Kane, dreams of Antonio

and the baby…’ Cathy trailed off.

‘Baby? You mean Fr. Kane and Rosalin’s baby?’ Bono questioned her.

‘No!’ She quickly said. ‘Not Rosalin and Fr. Kane’s… Antonio and Rosalin’s baby. The baby who

survived the bloody holocaust…’

400 years ago.

The fight was still on between Marcos and Antonio. Behind them the revolting villagers fought with

the soldiers. There was mayhem and destruction all around. And in the ensuing battle, Marcos

lunged at Antonio but he was too late as Antonio pierced his sword in his belly. Marcos looked at

him in shock. Antonio pulled his sword out.

‘And for bring mayhem and destruction on my family and for Rosalin’s death, I find you guilty,

Marcos!’ And with one swift motion, Antonio brought his sword down on his neck and chopped

his head off.

Antonio then crumbled down tearfully as he watched the last of the burning stake.

Present - 2004

Cathy’s friends are all circled around her anxiously as she thought hard. Sanjose gently wiped

her forehead clean. ‘Cathy, I don’t understand. How do you know all this? Cathy looked at him

gravely. ‘Because I lived through all this in my dreams.’

‘Hey cut it Cathy. Stop this gibberish. How can you dream all these events that happened 400

years ago…’ Bono angrily demanded. Cathy looked at him with deep pain on her face. ‘Because…

because that baby who survived the holocaust, grew up into a beautiful woman in Lisbon. That

woman who happens to be my great grandmother.’

400 years ago

The soldier reached the quay with Isabella and the baby. Few more soldiers rushed down and

helped them board the ship. They waited for Antonio. Time flew by. In the distance, they could

see an angry mob coming towards the quay. They were in a dilemma. Isabella and the baby were

at risk if they waited any longer.

The Captain in charge of the ship gave the order. They had to raise the anchor. Soon the ship set

sail. Isabelle with the baby in her arms watched the disappearing shoreline and the flaming

villages.

As the ship reached the high seas, Antonio rushed to the quay. But it was too late as Antonio

watched tearfully the ship now just a spec on the horizon. ‘My baby…’ he cried aloud tearfully.

Suddenly Antonio clutched his heart as a bullet pierced his body. He looked at his hand. There

were covered with blood. He looked up at his assailant and saw it was Kishen. A shocked surprise

registered on Antonio’s face. He pulled out his pistol and fired at him. The bullet hit him but he

stood his ground. Antonio stumbled bleeding profusely. Kishen fired at him again. Antonio

collapsed, dead. Another shot rang out and as Kishen fell down, he looked at his assailant. It was

his brother Pedro. Pedro fired again till Kishen felt the pain no more.

Inside the burning church, in the confession booth, Fr. Kane sat and slowly wrote in his diary.

With difficulty he clutched the quill as he pulled out the inkbottle from his cassock that he carried

it from his room. No better place to say the last confession and die than in the confession booth,

he thought grimly. He started writing. Through the netted booth, he could see and feel the flames.

Smoke started filling in the booth, yet Fr. Kane continued writing, coughing in between.

‘As I write this last chapter of my life, death is waiting around the corner for me. Any seconds, I

will join my Lord in his kingdom and before I do so, I wish to make one last confession… that I am

as innocent as Rosalin is. I did falter for a brief moment and that for that moment, I forgot my

obligation towards God. Rosalin and I never sinned against each other or against God. The child

is Antonio’s and I hope to God, that the child stays free from all harm and sees a world full of love

and peace…’

The inkbottle toppled over and Fr. Kane closed the diary and clutched it dearly as his body rocked

with spasm as smoke engulfed him. His mind drifted off to the first time he had seen Rosalin on

the balcony of the palace with Antonio at the party in his honor. Her mischievous smile so

endearing that it could melt anyone’s heart. She was such a nice and gentle woman and she had

let it go waste. And her graceful walk down the aisle in the church on her wedding day. She had

looked like an angel… his mind drifted off as it envisaged Rosalin in the bridal costume walking

down the aisle towards him. He slowly slipped in the never-ending oblivion as death slowly swept

him off his feet.

Present – 2004

The small group slowly walked out of the half-ruined church. Sanjose held on to Cathy, his arms

wrapped around her shoulder. In her right hand, Cathy clutched Fr. Kane’s diary closely, her other

arm around his waist, holding on to him dearly, her guardian angel.

There was complete peace and tranquility on Cathy’s face. Her disturbing dreams had died a

silent death in the night. This morning had heralded in a new day in her life. She was going to

start her life afresh without any fear of any more sleepless nights. The mystery was solved… the

question answered. The diary said it all. The baby was a legitimate child of Rosalin and Antonio.

She felt a deep sense of pride for Rosalin. She was after all a woman. She did what she felt was

right by accepting her punishment when she could have easily escaped the rampage to start her

life afresh with her baby. She atoned for her sins with her life. She, Cathy was a part of that

graceful woman.

And Fr. Kane, she thought to herself, too had been righteous till the last hour of his life. He too

after all was a human being. So vulnerable yet so dignified even at the time of his death. Finally,

his soul too would rest in peace. The world would soon know his true story.

She stopped and turned around to take one last look at the rundown church. She slowly pried her

hand loose and did the sign of the cross, the faded diary still clutched firmly in her hand. Her eyes

rose up towards the steeple of the church to see a bird seated on it. As if on cue, it fluttered its

wings and then flew across the sky to join its flock in the distance. An endearing smile appeared

on her face as her eyes traced the flight of the bird as it flew gracefully in the morning sunlight.

She turned around again and linking her arm back with Sanjose’s, started the long walk downhill

with a happy stride.

* * *